Policy Basics: An Introduction to the Food Stamp Program

From the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, this issue brief provides an overview of the food stamp program. In 2014, the program helped more than 46 million low-income Americans to afford a nutrionally adequate diet in a typical month. This piece provides an overview of eligibility requirements, the available benefits, the application procedures, and current food stamp caseload information. The program not only encourages work, but helps low-wage workers move above the poverty line, while also encouraging nutritional dietary intake for children.