Take The
SNAP Challenge
Step into someone else’s shoes. Imagine trying to feed yourself and your family on just $6 a day per person. This is the daily reality for millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Take the SNAP Challenge and experience this firsthand
- Spend no more than $6 per person per day on groceries. For example, a family of four doing the SNAP Challenge for three days would have a total grocery budget of $72: $6 (per person, per day) x 4 (people) x 3 (days) = $72
- Buy any food and non-alcoholic drinks you’d like, except for hot, prepared foods. Hot, prepared foods from a grocery store’s deli or hot bar (like a rotisserie chicken or hot soup) are NOT eligible for SNAP purchase.
- Commit for just three days, or longer if you choose.
To make your experience as authentic as possible, please follow these guidelines:
- Total Spending: All food you consume during the challenge must be included in your $6 per day budget.
- Challenge-Only Food: You can only consume food and condiments, including oil, spices, and salt, that you have purchased specifically for the challenge.
- Document Your Journey: We encourage you to keep a record of your experience. Keep your receipts and take notes, photos of your meals, or even videos. Sharing your journey, like the tough decisions you make while grocery shopping—choosing a less expensive item over a more nutritious one—can provide powerful insight into the reality of food insecurity.
What You Can Buy with SNAP
You can use your SNAP benefits to buy most food items at grocery stores. The general guideline is that you can buy food that is prepared and eaten at home. This includes:- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food for your household
What You Cannot Buy with SNAP
You cannot use your SNAP benfits card for non-food items or for hot, prepared foods. This includes:- Hot, prepared foods from a grocery store's deli or hot bar (like a rotisserie chicken or hot soup)
- Non-food items, such as pet food, vitamins, medicine, and supplements
- Household supplies like paper towels, soap, and cleaning products
- Diapers and hygiene products
- Alcohol and tobacco products