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Food Stamps

SNAP Program

The national food stamp program provides financial support to families who need food assistance due to their income. The food stamps program is officially called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These benefits are available throughout the country to those who do not earn enough income to afford all the food they and their families need in order to stay healthy. Qualifying individuals and families can apply no matter where they live in the nation. However, SNAP rules indicate that applicants can only receive benefits in their home states.

Today’s food stamps eligibility requirements are designed to help ensure that only eligible families are able to receive benefits. Although SNAP benefits are only meant to cover a portion of your overall food budget, if you qualify to collect SNAP, this program can be lifesaving. However, food stamps assistance has not always existed as you know it today. The program has evolved in recent decades to adapt to new technologies and to the needs of its enrollees. It is important that you understand how the program began so you can more easily understand its current purpose.

History of Food Stamps

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for managing the food stamps in the USA. The nation’s original Food Stamp Program (FSP) began in 1939 as a result of the Great Depression. Through this initiative, families who were struggling to make ends meet received stamps that they could use to buy food. In 1964, the FSP became a permanent program in the nation. In recent decades, the program moved away from using actual stamps to distribute benefits. Instead, an electronic benefits transfer EBT card allows those receiving benefits to access their funds. In 2008, the program’s name officially changed to SNAP in an effort to help combat stigma surrounding the assistance program. However, both names are still used to refer to the initiative.

Despite changes in name and in some of the food stamp rules over the years, the program’s overall goal remains the same. Likewise, the SNAP mission statement has maintained the same core principles. This program aims to strengthen food security among low-earning households. It also increases education about how to make healthy eating decisions. However, its primary mission continues to center around distributing free money to low income families so they can supplement their monthly food budgets.

Is there a difference between SNAP and food stamps today?

You may be wondering, “What is SNAP, and how is it different from food stamps?” While these may sound like different programs, the two names refer to the same initiative. Throughout the food stamps program history, FSP’s name changed to SNAP, which is now this program’s official name. However, you can use both terms when referring to the program.

Is food stamps welfare?

Many individuals want to know, “Is food stamps welfare?” The answer to this question is no. SNAP can be classified as a public assistance program. However, this initiative is not the same as welfare, which is technically called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Both of these programs provide government benefits for low-income families. Depending on an applicant’s circumstances, he or she may be able to apply for funds through both programs. However, applicants usually need to submit two separate requests to be considered for these initiatives.

What items are on the food stamps list of approved items?

One of the ways food stamps helps to ensure its funds are helping you buy healthy groceries is to create a SNAP approved food list. When you go to a grocery store that accepts EBT, you can only purchase items that the federal government has deemed acceptable to buy. When using your SNAP benefits, you can only buy foods that are meant to be eaten at home. Examples of these food stamps approved items include:

  • Produce such as fruits and vegetables.
  • Proteins such as meat, poultry and fish.
  • Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese.
  • Carbohydrates such as rice, bread and other starches.

Your food stamp shopping list should mostly include these items. By purchasing these foods, you are more likely to be able to maintain a healthy diet. While you can use SNAP to buy junk food and other snacks, remember food stamps rules do prohibit you from using your benefits to purchase certain items. These include:

  • Premade meals that are hot and ready.
  • Medicines and vitamins.
  • Food for animals.
  • Household products that you cannot eat.

Where can I apply for food stamps near me?

Generally, you can apply for food stamps online or at an approved facility. If you decide to apply for SNAP in person, you need to go to an official food stamp office. You should have a place near you where you can submit your application. You can also go to the workers at one of these facilities and ask them specific questions you have about your eligibility.