Budgeting · Video Lesson
What is SNAP?
SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps — helps eligible people afford a healthy diet. This lesson covers what SNAP is, who qualifies, how benefits are delivered via an EBT card, and why the program matters — while addressing the stigma around using it.
For Teachers
Lesson at a glance
- Topic
- Budgeting & Benefits
- Grade Level
- Grades 9–12 + adult
- Resource Type
- Video Lesson + Worksheet
- Estimated Time
- 30–45 minutes
- Format
- Class discussion + scenario activity
- Materials
- Video, worksheet, whiteboard
What Students Learn
Learning objectives
- Explain what SNAP is and its purpose
- Identify who may be eligible for SNAP
- Describe how benefits are delivered and used (EBT card, eligible foods)
- Explain how SNAP supports health and financial stability
- Discuss and challenge the stigma associated with using assistance programs
Video Lesson
Watch: What is SNAP?
Materials
What you’ll need
- Internet access for the video
- Printed copies of the worksheet quiz (one per student)
- Whiteboard or projector for the scenario activity
Key Terms
Vocabulary
- SNAP
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps eligible people buy food.
- EBT card
- An Electronic Benefits Transfer card used like a debit card for SNAP benefits.
- Eligibility
- Meeting the income and other requirements to qualify for a program.
- Food insecurity
- Not having reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food.
- Benefit
- Assistance provided by a program, such as monthly SNAP funds.
- Stigma
- Negative judgment unfairly attached to something, like using assistance.
For Teachers
Lesson plan
Estimated time: one 30–45 minute class period.
Lesson sequence
- Introduction (5 min). Discuss the importance of nutrition and the challenges some families face affording healthy food. Introduce SNAP.
- Watch the video (12 min). Play the lesson video. Ask students to note how SNAP works and who it helps.
- Discussion (12 min). Cover misconceptions about SNAP, how it supports studies and work, the EBT card and eligible foods, and why awareness matters.
- Activity — scenario (8 min). Groups create a scenario where a person or family might need SNAP and explain how it would help.
- Quiz (8 min). Students complete the printable quiz; the answer key is included for teacher use.
Assessment
Assess participation, the scenario activity, and the printable quiz.
Discussion
Discussion questions
- What is SNAP, and what is its purpose?
- Who might be eligible for SNAP, and how are benefits delivered?
- How can SNAP help someone focus on school or work?
- What misconceptions exist about SNAP and the people who use it?
- How can reducing stigma around assistance programs help a community?
Printable Quiz
What is SNAP? — Quiz & Answer Key
Multiple-choice quiz based on the video, with an answer key for teacher use.
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