History and Requirements for SNAP - By Derick
Hunger is a huge problem in the United States. Yes, right in our back yard. For years the less privileged had to suffer and fend for themselves. Until a group of people came together to fight hunger! Thus the Food Stamp Program was born! The less fortunate finally got assistance, thanks to people like Henry Wallace and Milo Perkins.
The first Food Stamp Act was established in 1964. However, “the foundation for SNAP was first built in 1933 as part of the Agricultural Adjustment Act” (SnapToHealth). The program started because farmers had a huge excess of food, and the unemployment rate was extremely high.
As soon as the Food Stamp Act was initiated in 1964, the program started growing. “In April 1965, participation topped half a million. (Actual participation was 561,261 people.) Participation topped 1 million in March 1966, 2 million in October 1967, 3 million in February 1969, 4 million in February 1970, 5 million one month later in March 1970, 6 million two months later in May 1970, 10 million in February 1971, and 15 million in October 1974. Rapid increases in participation during this period were primarily due to geographic expansion” (Supplemental).
To be eligible for snap you have to have no more than $2,250 in resources, you need to meet the income requirements based on number of people in the household. If you’re not employed SNAP benefits can only be received for 3 months. There are also some special rules regarding the elderly and disabled.
The amount of SNAP benefits is determined by your Net monthly income and the amount of household members.
The Food Stamp Program was created in the United States just when it was needed. It helped many food insecure households in the past; and continues to today. It took a while to officially start up, but all that time payed off.
