The United States' food stamp program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is currently used by 39.7 million people each month, according to a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) news release. This number is likely to rise as the USDA is trying to increase participation in the SNAP program as part of the Obama Administration's larger goal reducing hunger and improving nutrition nationwide.According to the USDA news release, among the new resources designed to increase participation is a new sign retailers will display that proclaims "'We Welcome SNAP Benefits."' Additionally, the USDA is putting in place a SNAP retailer locator, which is an online search tool designed to help recipients locate the retailers closest to them that accept SNAP benefits. Among the retailers that will post the sign, according to Alan Bjerga's article in Businessweek online, is Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which is the largest grocer in the nation. Others joining Wal-Mart are Safeway Inc. and Kroger Co.
USDA Secretary Vilsack states in the USDA news release that, "'[t]hese new tools will allow us to improve access and increase participation in SNAP, which serves as a vital resource to the most vulnerable Americans. Breaking down barriers to participation will help the Obama Administration deliver on its goal of reducing hunger and improving nutrition across the country."
Increasing SNAP usage may also help the economy recover. According to the USDA news release, every $5 "in new SNAP benefits generates as much as $9.20 in economic activity." SNAP benefits are administered by the states, but they are federally funded.
As Bjerga reports, despite the fact that only two-thirds of those eligible for the benefits are actually receiving them, the number of SNAP participants has increased, setting record participation levels for fifteen straight months.
To read the USDA news release, click here.
To read the Bjerga article in Businessweek online, click here.
To learn more about the SNAP program and other federal nutrition programs, click here to visit the National Agricultural Law Center's Nutrition Programs Reading Room.
Posted: 05/20/10
