Page 51 - Book11E

For a list of state offices to contact, see Appendix C in the back of this volume or contact your state Social Services office.
The Federal Food Stamp Program
The Federal Food Stamp Program traces its earliest origins back to the Food Stamp Plan, which began in 1939 to help needy families in the Depression era. The modern program began as a pilot project in 1961 and was authorized as a permanent program in 1964. Expansion of the program occurred most dramatically after 1974, when Congress required all States to offer food stamps to low-income households. The program’s all-time high participation was 29.85 million people in November 2005 when an estimated 4 million people received dis- aster assistance in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and William. The program’s all-time high in a month without a major disaster was 28.62 million people in June 2008.
On October 1, 2008, the Federal Food Stamp Program was given a new name—Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)— to help emphasize the program’s focus on helping low-income fami- lies obtain healthy foods to maintain good health. Changes were also made to make the program more accessible to those who needed assistance.
As of August 30, 2012, nearly 22 million people in the U.S. benefit from SNAP every month, including those families who are mak- ing the transition from welfare to being able to support themselves. Benefits are distributed as an electronic card much like an ATM card, which you can use at a grocery store to obtain qualified food items. SNAP also helps you learn about healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle through nutrition education partners.
State agencies administer the program at local levels and decide who is eligible and the amount of assistance he can receive. Each state also
The Office of Family Assistance 43