Food stamps for Veterans are available. Veterans on food stamps, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), depend upon income eligibility. Service members in the American Armed Forces are capable of receiving benefits, so long as they meet the income and other requirements. Veteran SNAP benefits are available for households even if not everyone inside the home is eligible.
Related read: Veteran Food Stamps: Eligibility, How To Apply, and How It Works
Can Disabled Veterans Get Food Stamps?
Disabled Veteran food assistance through SNAP is available just as it is for non-disabled ex-military members. Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) for Veterans, the digital version of SNAP, is also available for all who meet the requirements and have separated from service.
It’s worth noting that each state has different requirements for receiving SNAP benefits and EBT for disabled Veterans. Therefore, Veterans food stamps are available but depending on where you live, you may or may not have access to them.
This is a complicated situation for disabled Veterans and non-disabled Vets alike. Especially considering that there are already many different factors fighting against the military community who continue to struggle with food insecurity.
Now, a study is sadly confirming that while Veteran food stamps are available, not everyone who needs them has access to them.
RAND Corporation Study Showcases Food Insecurity for Veterans
Food Insecurity Among Veterans, a study by the RAND Corporation, is showing some very unfortunate data. So you may be wondering, can Veterans get food stamps? The Veterans SNAP benefits that could help well over a million ex-military personnel are only provided for under 5% of people.
Yes, despite there being 1.4 million Veterans who could benefit from SNAP, fewer than 70,000 are enrolled. Just as important, many of those who qualify for food benefits for Veterans still don’t receive them.
Even more damning is that our nation still has 18 million Veterans that suffer from food insecurity, further amplifying the problem. Vets aged 70 and older, particularly those with mental and physical disabilities keeping them from work, are enrolling the least.
A finding by RAND Corp. shows that the stigma of applying for SNAP benefits is a major hurdle for Veterans. A concern surrounding the can Veterans get food stamps debate is that many simply don’t realize they qualify.
Suggested read: Veterans Food Assistance Near Me Searches Highlight Food Insecurity
Solutions and Proposed Legislation Fighting Food Insecurity
RAND’s study highlights the importance of food insecurity but also brings up the importance of how diets play into healthcare. Therefore, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has an active vested interest in fixing this problem for all Americans, as does local government.
Poor nutrition can lead to a litany of negative physical and mental health issues, impacting the lives of millions. This includes: suicide, diabetes, and heart disease.
Can Veterans get food stamps through the military? Yes they can. To combat food insecurity among active-duty families, and fight against rapid inflation, Congress introduced the Basic Needs Allowance benefit in 2023. However, it’s clear that more can and should be done to ensure households receive the help they deserve.
The Military Family Nutrition Access Act was proposed by Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Lisa Murkowski to exclude military BAH from counting as income when figuring out SNAP benefits. Rep. Jimmy Panetta has proposed similar legislation to assist military families.
However, this would impact active-duty families. A very important, noble endeavor, but it still would lack a direct focus on Veterans in need. In short, can Veterans get food stamps? Yes, food stamps for Veterans are available, but as a nation we need to help make them more accessible. Additionally, we need to remove stigmas associated with our nation’s heroes rightfully participating in SNAP.
Read next: Proposed Pay Our Troops Act Aims to Save Military Incomes Before Shutdown
