Introduction
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is considered one of the most effective and responsive federal programs aiming to provide nutrition benefits for eligible low-income households. According to Nestle (2019), SNAP is “the US government’s largest anti-hunger program and third-largest anti-poverty program” (p. 1631). It plays a vital role in promoting the recipients’ self-sufficiency by enabling them to purchase and cook healthy food, which impacts productivity and health (Snap to Health, n.d.). Furthermore, the program contributes to the economic growth of the nation by increasing spending in grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers’ markets.
The Evolution of SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program has evolved since its establishment, demonstrating efficiency in reducing poverty, food insecurity, and hunger in the United States. As reported by Nestle (2019), the first food stamp program (FSP) was implemented by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1939-1943, followed by President Kennedy’s pilot food stamp programs in the following decades (p. 1633). People from low-income households could purchase subsidized stamps to exchange for food at retail stores, as authorized by the 1964 Food Stamp Act (Nestle, 2019). Participation in food stamp programs continued to grow, which identified the need for reform in legislation and administration.
As a result, Farm Bills amended the existing legislation concerning the food stamp program. As the program’s cost and coverage expanded, the purchase requirement was lifted by the Food Stamp Act of 1977, while eligibility criteria increased to prevent fraud (Nestle, 2019). Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards instead of food stamps were authorized in 1990, and the program was renamed SNAP in 2008 through the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act (Nestle, 2019). At the same time, expanded work requirements were introduced, and some SNAP benefits were reduced.
After food stamps were eliminated and the program was renamed, there was a need to optimize administration and improve access to SNAP. The program prevented poverty by 8.4 mils. people, including 3.8 mils. children in 2015 (Snap to Health, n.d., para. 3). As per Nestle (2019), online purchase pilot programs were launched in 2019 as part of the development process. Furthermore, SNAP emphasized education as manifested in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) which teaches the population about healthy food and dietary choices (Snap to Health, n.d.). Overall, SNAP has contributed to the overall economic activity growth, increasing consumer spending and creating jobs.
Means Test Utilized by SNAP
SNAP eligibility criteria and benefits can be modified based on several factors. In particular, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has shaped the program’s requirements. As of 2022, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities [CBPP] (2022) reports that SNAP utilizes three means tests about the applicants’ resources and income: gross monthly income, net income, and assets. According to CBPP, “SNAP counts cash income from all sources, including earned … and unearned income, such as cash assistance, Social Security, unemployment insurance, and child support” (p. 2). The gross monthly income and net income criteria for SNAP eligibility are presented in the slide.
As to the asset means test, SNAP established certain limits that applicants must meet to be eligible for the program. The presents of an elderly member or an individual with a disability in the household can affect eligibility for SNAP. As CBPP (2022) reports, “resources that could be available to the household to purchase food, such as amounts in bank accounts, count as assets,” while personal property, the household’s house, automobiles, and retirement savings generally do not count (p. 2). The asset criteria for SNAP eligibility, along with non-eligible individuals, are presented in the slide.
Federal, State, and Local Governments
The federal government plays a key role in the administration of SNAP. According to Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) (n.d.), the federal government covers the full cost of SNAP benefits and approximately half of the administrative expenses, sharing them with the state government. Furthermore, it is responsible for the authorization of wholesalers and retailers eligible for the program. Local governments enable the administration of the SNAP and provide supplemental funds to contribute to the program costs. Overall, the partnership of federal, state, and local authorities allows for to reduction of food insecurity and provides support for low-income households.
Conclusion
Overall, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits individuals in need and the US society as a whole. As can be seen, it supports low-income families and assists them in meeting their nutritional needs. In doing so, SNAP contributes to the overall effort to reduce poverty and food insecurity in the United States. People eligible for the program can improve their financial stability, and health outcomes, and increase self-sufficiency. The program promotes the economic development of the country, supporting small businesses and local economies.
References
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (2022). A quick guide to SNAP eligibility and benefits. Web.
Food Research & Action Center. (n.d.). Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Web.
Nestle, M. (2019). The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): History, politics, and public health implications. American Journal of Public Health, 109(12), 1631-1635. Web.
Snap to Health. (n.d.). The real benefits of SNAP. Web.