6 Meals You Can Make With SNAP for Under $1 Per Person

When your food budget is tight, every dollar matters. And when SNAP benefits are paused or reduced, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what to cook and how long it will last.

At Faith Temple Food Giveaway, we want to help you stay ahead, without panic, and without shame.

Here are six SNAP meals that cost less than $1 per serving, use SNAP-eligible ingredients, and are designed to stretch across multiple days. These recipes are affordable, simple to prepare, and filling for families, seniors, or anyone doing their best with limited resources.

1. Hearty Rice and Bean Bowls

~ $0.75 per serving | Makes 4–6 meals

Rice and beans are a powerful, protein-packed combo. Add a little seasoning, and this becomes the kind of meal you’ll come back to all week.

✅ Stretch it: Add salsa, frozen corn, or wrap it in a tortilla

✅ Reheat or eat cold the next day

2. One-Pot Pasta with Veggies

~ $0.85 per serving | Makes 6–8 meals

Boil pasta, toss in frozen or canned vegetables, and finish with a little oil or seasoning. That’s it. It’s fast, filling, and easy to make in bulk.

✅ Serve hot for dinner and cold as pasta salad

✅ Kid-friendly and flexible

3. Egg and Potato Skillet

~ $0.90 per serving | Makes 4–5 meals

Eggs and potatoes are low-cost staples that we commonly have at the food giveaway. Fry them up with any veggies or leftover meat you have on hand.

✅ Eat for breakfast or dinner

✅ Save extra in the fridge for quick meals later

4. Slow Cooker Lentil Stew

~ $0.60 per serving | Makes 8–10 meals

Lentils are a shelf-stable protein that’s easy to cook and full of nutrition. Simmer with carrots, potatoes, broth, and seasoning for a hearty stew.

✅ Freeze leftovers in small portions

✅ Eat with bread or over rice to stretch even further

5. Tuna or Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

~ $0.70 per serving | Makes 3–4 meals

Mix canned tuna or chickpeas with mayo or dressing for a quick, no-cook protein option. Eat on bread, crackers, or wrapped in lettuce.

✅ Use leftovers in wraps, stuffed potatoes, or on toast

✅ Great for lunchboxes and snacks

6. Simple Stir Fry Over Rice

~ $0.85 per serving | Makes 5–6 meals

Use rice as your base and cook up a mix of vegetables and any protein you have. Add garlic, soy sauce, or seasoning for flavor.

✅ Make once, eat for days

✅ Pack into containers for easy lunches

Reminder: Every SNAP Meal Here Is Under $1 Per Person

These recipes are designed to:

✔ Be affordable on a SNAP budget

✔ Last for multiple meals

✔ Use pantry or freezer staples

✔ Taste good, even on the second day

You don’t need fancy ingredients to feed your family well. You just need a little planning, some creativity, and a community that has your back.

🛒 SNAP-Friendly Grocery List

🥫 Pantry Staples

• White or brown rice (1–2 lbs)

• Dry pasta (1–2 boxes)

• Dry lentils (1 lb bag)

• Canned black beans (2 cans)

• Canned kidney beans or chickpeas (2 cans)

• Canned tuna (2 cans)

• Canned vegetables (corn, carrots, green beans, etc.)

• Canned tomatoes (1–2 cans, diced or crushed)

• Bouillon cubes or broth (chicken or vegetable)

• Shelf-stable or powdered milk (optional)

🥕 Produce (Fresh or Frozen)

• Potatoes (5 lb bag, or use potatoes from our giveaway)

• Onions (1–2 lbs)

• Carrots (1 lb or 1 bag baby carrots)

• Frozen mixed vegetables (1–2 bags)

• Optional: bell peppers, cabbage, or spinach

🧊 Fridge & Protein

• Eggs (1 dozen)

• Cheese (block or shredded, optional)

• Bread or tortillas (1 package)

• Mayonnaise or dressing (small jar)

Need More Help?

If you’re running low on food or SNAP benefits are delayed, you are always welcome at the Faith Temple Food Giveaway.

🕓 Fridays | 4–6 PM

📍 W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, 100 N. Lyon Ave, Sioux Falls

🥫 Free food. No ID. No proof of income. Just come.

Remember, you matter. You belong here. ^💙