SNAP & Other Food Assistance Programs
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States and is a vital resource to thousands of Iowans in accessing nutritious and affordable food. The program (formerly known as food stamps) helps fill the gap between the cash your household has available for food and the cost of a “thrifty” food budget. Benefits are distributed monthly based on criteria like your household income through an electronic benefits (EBT) card that can be used at grocery and convenience stores.
QUESTIONS?
Iowa residents can call the SNAP/Food Resource Hotline at 1-855-944-3663 anytime Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm for questions or assistance in getting enrolled in SNAP and how to recertify.
You may be eligible for SNAP if your household income falls below a certain range. Check the chart below to see if you qualify. Eligibility is different based on your household’s income or assets, and the criteria can change often. Take the Iowa HHS eligibility screening test to find out if your household is eligible for SNAP. Be prepared to answer questions about your household size, income, and
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income (what’s this?) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,008 |
| 2 | $2,727 |
| 3 | $3,444 |
| 4 | $4,160 |
| 5 | $4,879 |
| 6 | $5,596 |
| 7 | $6,315 |
| 8 | $7,034 |
| Each Additional Member | + $719 |
| Eligibility requirements change annually (updated May 2025) |
You can apply for SNAP and other helpful programs through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website.
Need help getting started? Iowa residents can call the SNAP/Food Resource Hotline at 1-855-944-3663 anytime Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm
Once your SNAP application is approved, you can use your EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card to acquire food for your household, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Other foods (snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages)
- Seeds and plants to grow produce
You can also take advantage of Double Up Food Bucks when you purchase from local farmers and retailers.
Households cannot use SNAP benefits to purchase:
- Any nonfood items such as pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products and other household supplies, hygiene items, and cosmetics
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
Other Resources
WIC
WIC provides free food, nutrition education and breastfeeding support to pregnant women and families with kids under 5.
Double Up Food Bucks
SNAP recipients are eligible for bonus dollars to use when they purchase fruits and vegetables from local farmers and retailers—an initiative that benefits our communities, our farmers and the health of our citizens.
As a SNAP recipient, you can earn up to $20 in Double Up Food Bucks when you spend $20 on fresh produce at participating retailers to get additional produce items.
2.1.1.
For help with food and beyond call the 2.1.1. hotline and resource center. This is a one-stop source of information for people in need of assistance run by the United Way of Central Iowa. Ways to get help:
- Call 2-1-1
- Text your ZIP to: 898211
- Search their database or chat with someone online
Eating Healthy While on a Budget
With a little planning, savvy shopping, and tasty recipes, making meals that you and your family will love is still possible on a budget. Spend Smart. Eat Smart. is a resource provided by Iowa State Extension and Outreach that provides recipes and basic how-tos to help you become a better shopper and cook at home. Visit their website or download the mobile app to start planning your next meal.