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Federal Food Stamps
Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of Americans will be newly eligible for food stamps or increased benefits under new program rules in effect as of October 1, 2008, as a result of provisions included in the 2008 Farm Bill. The administration began a public-relations campaign to inform the public of changes to the program. Key changes include:
The Farm Bill's biggest budgetary provision was additional funding ($10 billion) over the course of 5 years to pay for the projected increase in the number of and amount due to program beneficiaries. Under the new rules a SNAP applicant is allowed a $144 deduction for living expenses, and total deduction of all expenses for care of children, the elderly, and disabled household members. Additionally, savings for retirement and education will no longer be considered as assets toward preventing eligibility. SNAP helps put food on the table for some 18 million people per month by providing eligible low-income households with electronic benefits they can use like cash at most grocery stores. SNAP is the cornerstone of the Federal food assistance programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. SNAP is administered at the Federal level through its Food and Nutrition Service(FNS). State agencies administer the program at State and local levels, including determination of eligibility and allotments, and distribution of benefits. Congress changed the name of the food stamp program partly because benefits are distributed through electronic benefit debit cards rather than coupons. Each month USDA reloads the card with more purchasing power. USDA studies have shown that the EBT system has reduced fraud and abuse, which was one reason members of Congress felt comfortable increasing eligibility and benefits. ADVOCATE by educating others to these important program changes! To read more about the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), research eligibility requirements, nutritional details of the program, or locate contact information for your state, use these resources: Fact Sheet: "Eat Right When Money's Tight" Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 Food Stamp Provisionsof the 2008 Farm Bill |
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