SNAP and EBT Lesson Plan

Created by Michael Bowman, 3L Place, May 2018

Applies to: Critical Thinking, Understanding and Participating in Community

Purpose: Inform students about the U.S. government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (S.N.A.P.) and Electronic Balance Transfer (E.B.T.) cards.

Objectives:

• Learn about the SNAP program and how it provides EBT money for groceries.
• Explore whether or not an EBT card might be helpful to students and their families.
• Discuss the current political controversy surrounding SNAP and whether EBT cardholders should be allowed to choose their own groceries.

Materials Needed:

• SNAP and EBT worksheets (attached)
• Pens/pencils
• Internet connected device for YouTube

Activity Steps:

1. Discuss nutrition and the role that it plays in keeping us healthy and empowering us to live successful lives.
2. Discuss income disparity and how many people simply don’t have money to buy food.
3. Discuss the US government’s role in attempting to provide a social safety net for people with very limited income.
4. Watch 2 minute YouTube video, What are SNAP Food Stamps? to explain EBT.
5. Read and complete pages 1-3 of the worksheet packet.
6. If students are open to disclosing their enrollment in SNAP, discuss ways that their EBT helps them, and ways that the program may be limited or can be frustrating.
7. Discuss whether non-enrolled students and their families might benefit from enrolling in SNAP.  If appropriate, make a plan to discuss SNAP enrollment with interested students and their families.
8. Complete the questionnaire on page 4.
9. If appropriate, students can complete the word search on page 5.