We've talked a lot about Snap in recent days, the federal food stamp program that helps more than 40 million, 40 million Americans and about 600,000 Kentuckians put food on the table.

But how much do you know about Snap?

Like, who's eligible, who's getting help, and how much help do they get?

Our June Leffler is back with those answers.

First imagined under Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal and later made into law by Congress and Lyndon Johnson in 1964.

The entitlement program, known as food stamps, has been around for decades.

The program is meant to help farmers, grocery stores, and, of course, Americans facing hunger.

Today's Snap recipients make up nearly 13% of Kentuckians.

More than a third of whom are children.

The average household received $344 in Snap last month.

Last year, Kentuckians received on average $6.20 per day, and Snap benefits totaling more than $1 billion in 2024.

While these recipients live everywhere, many are concentrated in eastern Kentucky.

According to a march analysis, McCreary County had the highest rate of Snap participation, while Oldham County had the lowest rate.

These recipients use EBT cards, which the state loads money on to once a month.

These cards can be used at participating retailers like grocery stores and even some corner stores online shops and farmer's markets.

So who qualifies for snap?

A single person making $20,000 a year likely qualifies.

So would a couple with two kids making just above $41,000 a year.

Snap also looks at a household's net income.

That's the money left after paying essential bills like rent, utilities and child care costs.

Households must meet both gross and net income limits, not just one or the other.

There are other stipulations for Snap recipients.

They must be citizens or certain legal permanent residents.

Able bodied adults without dependents must work 20 hours a week for long term benefits, though those without work can still receive temporary assistance.

Recipients can only have so much money in cash and savings.

Very low income Kentuckians can be fast tracked for benefits if they make less than $150 a month, if their income does not cover their monthly bills, or if they are, quote, destitute migrants or seasonal farm workers.

Though Snap is a federal program, it is administered by the State.

You can apply online or at one of the State Department for Community based Services offices, like this one in Louisville.

All successful applicants will eventually wind up at one of these offices for a required in-person interview.

For Kentucky Edition, I'm June Leffler.