Food Stamps

Food Stamps are the common term by which most people know the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  SNAP is a nutrition welfare program run by the federal government to for low-income people to insure that no one in the country goes hungry.  SNAP is a federally funded nutrition welfare program run by the USDA.  The States administers the program. The school lunch program run by the USDA and provides school lunches to low-income children.  Food stamps at one time were actually issued in paper booklets in numerical denominations.  Today benefits are issued on an “ebt” card electronically.  It is used like an atm card in most grocery stores nation-wide.

Benefits of the SNAP Program

Along with providing food to 35 million low-income families, the SNAP program provides nutrition education and information.  Eligibility is based on income and resource tests.  There are also special rules regarding the elderly, the disabled, and immigrants.

Food Stamp Program Limits

Limits of the food stamps program include: 

• Households cannot use SNAP benefits to buy:
• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
• Any nonfood items, such as:
  • pet foods
  • soaps
  • paper products
  • household supplies

• Vitamins and Medicines
• Foods that will be eaten in the store
• Hot Foods
• Cannot be exchanged for cash

Food Stamp Legal Help

You have the right to a fair hearing if you disagree with any action taken on your case.  Legal representation is allowed and advisable if you feel you need help pursuing your rights.