The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is one of the primary federal programs to help food-insecure households in the United States. While Veterans are less likely than non-Veterans to be food insecure, Veterans who are food insecure are consistently less likely to be enrolled in SNAP despite being eligible. Specifically, 7.5 percent, or nearly 1.4 million, Veterans are reported to be food insecure yet only 4.9 percent live in a household that receives SNAP benefits. (RAND Corporation, Food Insecurity Among Veterans: Examining the Discrepancy Between Veteran Food Insecurity and Use of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, September 20, 2023). Barriers for Veterans in receiving SNAP assistance include self pride and stigma, complex paperwork, and eligibility confusion.
The average monthly SNAP benefit is approximately $187.94 per participant per month (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Key Statistics and Research, August 31, 2026). Many Veterans who do receive SNAP assistance often find the amounts fall short of meeting their full nutritional needs, especially for those managing chronic health conditions that require specific diets. A diabetic Veteran, for example, may need fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains that cost significantly more than processed, calorie-dense foods that fill SNAP budgets more easily. This further leaves many Veterans to continue facing food insecurity despite receiving SNAP assistance.
With a mission to provide food security for Veterans and their households through the distribution of healthy meals and groceries for balanced, sustained nutrition, CFV aims to bridge the gap and help address Veteran food insecurity. CFV delivers meals and distributes groceries of whole foods including proteins, grains, fresh produce to complement assistance Veterans may already be receiving. CFV’s referral form also includes an option for a Veteran in need to designate whether they receive SNAP benefits.
CFV appreciates its volunteers, community alliances, donors, and other supporters who help bridge the gap to provide a source of food security for Veterans in need.