Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Topics:

Assistance Programs
Food Assistance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.

To find out if you are eligible for SNAP, visit the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal. Or, learn more about Iowa's coverage, approved vendors, and more.

Iowa HHS Self-Service Portal

Unlock your benefits today! Apply for SNAP, FIP, and Medicaid with just a few clicks through our user-friendly Self-Service Portal.

Apply Now!

What can I buy with SNAP?

You can purchase any food for the household, such as:

  • Fruits and vegetables;
  • Meat, poultry, and fish;
  • Dairy products;
  • Breads and cereals;
  • Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages; and
  • Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat.

You CANNOT purchase:

  • Beer, wine, and liquor.
  • Cigarettes and tobacco.
  • Food and drinks containing controlled substances such as cannabis/marijuana and CBD.
  • Vitamins, medicines, and supplements. If an item has a Supplement Facts label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for SNAP purchase.
  • Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store).
  • Foods that are hot at the point of sale.
  • Any nonfood items such as:
    • Pet foods
    • Cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies.
    • Hygiene items and cosmetics

Keep Your SNAP Benefits Safe

Keeping your SNAP benefits safe is crucial for ensuring that you have reliable access to the resources you need for maintaining your health and well-being.

  • Avoid simple PINs. Number combinations such as 1111, 1234, or 9876 may be easy for others to guess.
  • Keep your PIN and card number secret. Never share your PIN or card number with anyone outside your household. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN on a machine.
  • Beware of phishing. Iowa HHS and EBT processors will never call or text to ask for your PIN or card number.
  • Change your PIN often. Change your PIN at least once a month, right before your benefit issuance date.