The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), serves as the cornerstone of federal anti-hunger efforts in the United States. Its mission is to alleviate hunger and improve the nutrition and health of low-income households by providing financial assistance specifically designated for the purchase of food.Understanding SNAP requires recognizing its origins, its evolution through major legislative acts, and the complex mechanics that govern its modern operation.