Definition of the Food Stamp Program
- The history of the food stamp program can be traced to the 1930s. In 1939 the Department of Agriculture put in place a program in New York as an experiment, eventually leading to expansion into thousands of counties by the early 1940s. Fraud allegations and legislative issues led to its demise in 1943; the Food Stamp Program did not become available again until 18 years later. The Food Stamp Act of 1964 made the program permanent, and several legislative acts affecting its administration have been passed since that time. In 2008 the Food, Conservation and Energy Act changed the FSP to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
- SNAP applicants must be U.S. citizens or, in some cases, permanent resident aliens. Certain immigrants are also eligible to apply; this is permitted primarily for children and elderly individuals. Beyond citizenship, the primary factor in determining eligibility is household income and assets. In general, assets cannot exceed $2,000 in value, although households that contain a person who is disabled or over age 60 can have $3,000 in assets. Their gross income for the month must be 130 percent or less than the federal poverty level. Adults who are able to work must meet employment requirements as well.
- Those who are approved for SNAP are provided an electronic benefits transfer card to use at grocery stores. Not all foods or items available in such stores can be purchased using SNAP benefits. These include tobacco products, alcohol, hot foods, pet food, medications and any nonfood items such as cleaning supplies. An important goal of the program is to help low-income families obtain nutritious foods, so vegetables, fruits, meats, fish and poultry are allowable purchases. Other permissible items include grains, dairy foods and seeds or plants used for growing food.
- There are 28 states that allow all or a portion of residents to apply for SNAP benefits online. All other applicants must print their state's application from the USDA website and send to their local SNAP office or visit the office in person. Food banks and other outreach organizations typically have applications, as do Social Security offices.