This year marked the 60th anniversary of the passage of the Food Stamp Act, which created the program we now know as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Changes to SNAP can have a downstream effect on food pantries, and we wanted to bust some common myths and misconceptions you might not know about our best tool for fighting hunger.
Myth #1: People who receive SNAP are Lazy
More than half of SNAP recipients are children or seniors. The large majority of people enrolled in the program who can work, do work. The application process to apply for SNAP can become lengthy, requiring an application, an interview, and a review of your personal finances, which often requires a recertification process every 6 to 12 months. The average per-meal benefit per person in Polk County is only $1.94 a day.
Myth #2: SNAP is a direct cash benefit
If you receive SNAP, your benefit can only be spent on eligible food items through an Electronic Benefits Card (EBT) that closely resembles a credit/debit card. No direct transfer of cash to program recipients is involved. Retailers like grocery and convenience stores can choose to accept SNAP, but are not required to.
Myth #3: SNAP is only used to purchase junk food
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase cigarettes, alcohol, non-food items like diapers or personal care items, or hot prepared foods (i.e. pizza/rotisserie chicken). The state of Iowa will impose new restrictions starting in 2026 that limit SNAP purchases like pop, candy, fruit snacks, and other items subject to Iowa’s sales tax code. There is little proof that SNAP recipients are less healthy than the rest of the population, and further restrictions could further complicate the program and the cost to run it.
Myth #4: People who use SNAP are all permanently relying on the program
Despite many misconceptions, federal nutrition programs are not designed to create a reliance on the program. Work requirements already exist for most adults between the ages of 18 and 64 who are physically and mentally capable of working.
Often, a major expense, temporary loss of income, or major life event is what instigates a need for food assistance.
Myth #5: SNAP is a program that is rampant with fraud
While tracking the SNAP payment error rate is important, this is not the same thing as fraud. The payment error rate measures the accuracy of Iowa HHS’ eligibility and benefit determinations for SNAP. Payment errors include both underpayments and overpayments. They are the result of inadvertent errors made on the part of a SNAP applicant or state agency. The payment error rate does not represent program fraud. Iowa’s overall SNAP payment error rate currently sits right at the 6% threshold that in future years could lead to the state being on the hook for millions of dollars if not addressed.
BONUS MYTH: SNAP and Food Stamps aren’t the same thing While many people still refer to the program as ‘food stamps’, In 2008 the name of the program was officially changed to try and reduce some of the stigma created for those utilizing the program. Starting in the late 80’s, the program slowly transitioned to a more discrete Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that mirrors any other credit/debit card.
