The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers assistance to limited-resource individuals and families. A SNAP account is established for eligible households. Automatic deposits are made to the account on a monthly basis. SNAP recipients use an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to purchase items at SNAP-eligible retail stores.

Could I be eligible for SNAP?

To see if you qualify for SNAP or other benefit programs, visit Virginia CommonHelp’s online portal. You will need to put in information about your family size and income to calculate eligibility.

What kind of food can I buy with SNAP?

SNAP benefits can be used to purchase foods like bread, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry and dairy products. If you love gardening, you will be happy to know that SNAP benefits can be used for fruit-bearing seeds and seedlings.

SNAP benefits may not be used to buy beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes and tobacco, non-food items like pet foods, paper products, soap and household supplies, vitamins and medicines, hot foods and foods that are meant to be eaten in the store.

Where can I use SNAP?

You can use SNAP benefits at any SNAP authorized retailer. Many retailers throughout Virginia accept SNAP/EBT at their locations. To find out if a store near you accepts SNAP/EBT, click here. Many Virginia farmers markets also accept SNAP/EBT. Visit our map of SNAP eligible farmers markets to find one near you.

Are you pregnant? Are you breastfeeding? Do you have a child under 5?

You may be eligible for WIC.