Is that accounting for people who violate the terms of SNAP benefits by also gifting food to others outside their household?
gifts are not exchanges for cash. it also accounts for several other forms of fraud.
Hmm. I had SNAP for a few months and one of the things they stressed was that you aren't allowed to buy food for anyone else. But I do see how it probably is limited only to "in exchange for something else"
most likely, the intent is that in providing food for someone else, you may prevent them from applying for their own SNAP benefit. which they would qualify for if they need gifts of food from an existing SNAP beneficiary.
basically they want you to eat what you get and anyone else who needs food to get it from them
but they are not gonna come after you for helping someone for free. charity is never illegal.
Well, with exceptions like "you can't give food to homeless people without a permit and food handler's licenses" or "you can't give homeless people sleeping bags in the downtown area" because some cities are awful like that. ---