Evolution of the Food Stamp Program #The Food Stamp Program (FSP), now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), has been a cornerstone of the United States’ social safety net for over half a century. Since its inception in 1964, it has undergone significant changes in its eligibility criteria, benefit levels, and funding.
Expanded Benefits and Eligibility # Initially, the FSP was limited to low-income families with children. However, the program was expanded in 1974 to include childless adults, the elderly, and people with disabilities. In 1977, the Thrifty Food Plan, a modest food budget developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), became the basis for determining benefit levels. This led to an increase in the average benefit per person. The Food Stamp Act of 1986 established uniform national eligibility criteria, ensuring that all states used the same income and asset limits. Heightened Scrutiny and Reforms # In the 1990s, the FSP came under scrutiny for its perceived inefficiencies and potential for fraud. In response, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 reformed the program, imposing stricter eligibility requirements and time limits for able-bodied adults without dependents. The 2002 Farm Bill authorized the introduction of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which replaced paper food stamps. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided a temporary boost to SNAP benefits, which helped many families cope with the economic downturn. Recent Developments # The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 made significant changes to the FSP, including increasing funding for school breakfast and lunch programs and providing incentives for states to promote healthier food choices. The 2014 Farm Bill made changes to the way SNAP benefits are calculated, resulting in modest reductions for most recipients. In 2019, the Trump administration proposed changes to SNAP that would have tightened eligibility requirements and work rules, but these changes were blocked by court challenges. SNAP Participation and Benefits
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