What is the Federal Food Stamp Program?
The Food Stamp Program (FSP) is the nation’s single most important program in the fight against hunger because of its role as a basic protection for persons of all ages and household status. The Food Stamp Program is designed to improve the nutrition of people with low incomes by providing coupons to cover part or all of their household’s food budget. First developed in the late 1930s, FSP expanded nationwide in 1974, and is currently authorized by the Food Stamp Act of 1977. The Food Stamp Program was reauthorized by Congress in 1995 as part of the Farm Bill, but was substantially changed and deeply cut by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, the welfare “reform” bill. Why Are Food Stamps Important? Households are issued a monthly food stamp allotment, based on the size and income level of the household. The maximum household allotment is based on the Thrifty Food Plan, a minimal food budget designed by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. The m
