Food Stamp program

Food Stamp Act

During the 1930’s, the availability of relief for the poor in the United States was very limited and based from community and local institutions. In 1933, the first food assistance programs were established under the Federal Surplus Relief Corporation (FSRC) with the main focus of purchasing surplus agricultural commodities and distribute them to the poor or those receiving cash relief under the Federal Emergency Relief Act (Citation). However, it was not until August 31, 1964 that the Food Stamp Act (P.L. 88-525) was enacted. The Food Stamp Act of 1964 established was the first coupon-based system allowing participants to buy a variety of food with coupons, rather than restricting them to only surplus commodities (Citation). Participants of the Food Stamp program purchased coupons for an amount based on income and household size, and would receive free “bonus” coupons.

Nature of Problem

The Food Stamp Act of 1964 was first enacted to help alleviate the issue of surplus farm commodities and help poor or unemployed families. However, over the years the focus of the program has shifted to provide low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities an affordable and adequate diet. During the 1930’s, the United States’ population was suffering through the Great Depression with hunger being its most severe consequence. Hunger in the United States became a national issue since more than 8 million people were unemployed by the spring of 1931 (book citation). Furthermore, families were With the “paradox of want in the midst of plenty”

Policy Amendments/Changes

In 1939, there was an experimental food stamp program that was established in Rochester, New York. Eligible individuals had the opport...

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...tance program are meant to be for temporary or shot-term assistance, however the majority of recipients will become long-term dependents.

Proposed Solution

The government should provide support to those in need, and recipients should engage in responsible and positive behavior as a condition of receiving food assistance. Aid should be given on the basis of reciprocal obligation and not just a one-way handout or open-ended entitlement. Requiring food stamp aid recipients to drug test in order to receive benefits is a core element of mutual obligation. By implementing a policy change to require drug-testing to recipients in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would be beneficial to clients in a clinical setting. For example, evidence has shown that drug testing has the potential to reduce unnecessary government spending and misuse of funds.