On what basis is the allowance for Food Stamps determined?

The allowance for Food Stamps, now more commonly known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is determined primarily based on the USDA Thrifty Food Program. This program provides a guideline for the minimum amount needed to provide a nutritious diet to families while adhering to a low-cost food plan. It reflects the cost of food required to meet nutritional standards and can vary based on household size and other factors.

The USDA estimates the cost of a standard diet that a family can prepare at home and uses this data to help establish the benefit levels for SNAP. This means that the amount a household may receive through SNAP benefits is calculated in a way that is related to the Thrifty Food Plan, making it a central factor in determining those allowances.

While other options such as federal poverty guidelines, household size, and market prices do play roles in the broader context of program eligibility and benefit calculations, they are not the primary basis for determining the actual benefit amounts under SNAP. Thus, the key reference for the allowance calculation is the USDA Thrifty Food Program, which serves as the foundation of the nutritional and budgetary guidelines for food assistance.