The Food Stamp Program was created by the US government to provide food to low-income people. It began in 1939 to allow people to buy agricultural surpluses. Food stamps are distributed as vouchers or EBT cards and can be used in most stores. Eligibility is based on income and expenses.
The Food Stamp Program is a program created by the United States federal government to provide food to low-income people. Food stamps have been in use since 1939 and were created by former Agriculture Secretary Henry Wallace. At first they were used to allow people to buy agricultural surpluses that would otherwise have gone to waste. The program lasted until 1943, when surpluses were no longer a problem. Subsequently, a different food program was created.
Food stamps are distributed in two basic forms: as vouchers in a booklet or as Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Both can be used in most supermarkets and grocery stores, and also to purchase some convenience foods such as cold sandwiches, as long as they are eaten on the go and not restaurant-style. They can also be used to purchase seeds to start a vegetable garden, nutritional supplements and most types of infant formula can also be purchased with them. For disabled people who cannot cook, meal vouchers can also be used to purchase food from home delivery services that cater to the poor and disabled. They cannot be used to purchase household products such as cleaning products, toothpaste or soap.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, approximately 55% of households using food stamps include children and only 9% are over 60 years of age. The majority of people receiving them are white (41%), with the small percentage being Native American (2%). While anyone can apply, benefits are limited to people who are U.S. citizens or legal residents.
To be eligible for meal vouchers, all persons over the age of 18 must be registered to work and be willing to participate in a work/study training programme. For people who are currently working, it is still possible to apply if their income is below a certain per-person monthly amount; a family with children living there can earn a little more. Both income and expenses are considered when deciding if a family qualifies for the program.
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