Food Stamps Is Now Called SNAP
SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — is the current federal name for what used to be called food stamps. The name changed in 2008, though many people still use "food stamps" in everyday conversation. SNAP is run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by your state, which means the program rules, benefit amounts, and how you interact with it vary depending on where you live.
The physical benefit card you receive is often called an EBT card — that stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. It works like a debit card at grocery stores and farmers markets. Some states have their own names for the card or program (Texas calls it SNAP, New York calls it SNAP, but the card itself might be branded differently), but the federal program is SNAP across all 50 states.
The reason for the name change was partly practical — the old paper stamps had been replaced by electronic cards years earlier — and partly to reduce stigma. But the program itself does the same thing it always did: it helps people buy food.
Key Takeaways
- SNAP is the official federal name for food stamps, changed in 2008, though "food stamps" is still commonly used.
- Your SNAP benefits come on an EBT card that works like a debit card at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers.
- Each state runs SNAP with its own rules and benefit amounts, so what you receive depends on your state and household situation.
- You can search for your state's SNAP office online or call 211 to find the local office where you can learn about the program.
How SNAP Benefits Work in Practice
When you receive SNAP, the money loads onto your EBT card each month on a date your state sets. You use it to buy food at any store that accepts SNAP — that includes most grocery stores, supermarkets, and many farmers markets. You cannot use SNAP to buy prepared foods, hot foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food items like soap or paper towels.
The amount you receive depends on your household size, income, and expenses. Your state calculates this and sends you a notice that explains your monthly benefit. If your situation changes — you lose a job, someone moves in or out, your income changes — you need to report it to your state's SNAP office, because your benefit amount may change.
Some states allow you to use SNAP online at certain retailers like Amazon Fresh or Walmart.com, though this varies by location. Check with your state's SNAP program to see what online options are available where you live.
Finding Your State's SNAP Program
Because SNAP is run by each state, you contact your state's office to learn about the program and how to proceed. The fastest way is to call 211 — it is a free helpline that connects you to local resources, including your state's SNAP office. You can also search online for "[your state] SNAP office" or "[your state] food assistance" to find the phone number and local office address.
Your state's SNAP office can tell you what documents you will need, what the income limits are for your household size, and what the next steps are. They can also answer questions about your specific situation — whether you work, whether you are a student, whether you are a non-citizen, or whether you have other income.
Other Names You Might Hear
Different states sometimes use different branding or names for the same program. In some places you might hear it called "food assistance," "nutrition assistance," or by the state's specific program name. The EBT card itself might be branded with a state-specific name — for example, California calls it CalFresh, but it is still SNAP. New York calls it SNAP, but the card might say "New York SNAP." The important thing to know is that these are all the same federal program with the same rules, just administered locally.
Older people or people who have been on the program for a long time often still call it "food stamps" out of habit, and that is perfectly understandable. Government programs change their names, but the purpose stays the same.
What Changed and What Stayed the Same
The shift from paper stamps to an electronic card system happened gradually in the 1990s and early 2000s. By the time the name officially changed to SNAP in 2008, almost everyone was already using a card. The name change was meant to reflect that reality and to make the program feel more modern and less stigmatized.
What did not change: the program still helps people buy food, the income limits are still based on federal poverty guidelines, and the rules about what you can buy are still the same. If you have questions about whether something is allowed — like whether you can buy seeds to grow your own food, or whether you can use SNAP at a farmers market — your state's SNAP office can answer that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SNAP the same as food stamps?
Yes. SNAP is the current official name for the program that used to be called food stamps. The name changed in 2008, but it is the same program with the same purpose. Many people still call it food stamps in conversation, and that is fine — everyone knows what you mean.
Can I use my EBT card online?
Some states allow online SNAP purchases at retailers like Amazon Fresh, Walmart.com, and other grocery delivery services. This varies by state and by retailer. Contact your state's SNAP office or check their website to see which online options are available in your area.
What if my state calls it something different?
Some states use their own names — California calls it CalFresh, for example — but these are all the same federal SNAP program. The rules, benefit amounts, and what you can buy are set by federal law, though each state administers it slightly differently. Your state's office can explain how it works where you live.
Do I have to report changes to my SNAP benefits?
Yes. If your income changes, someone moves in or out of your household, or your expenses change significantly, you need to report it to your state's SNAP office. Your benefit amount is recalculated based on your current situation, and reporting changes on time keeps you from owing money back later.