Introduction
A federal social welfare program called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), originally known as the Food Stamp Program, was created to help low-income people and families in the U.S. with their nutritional needs (Nestle, 2019). This study will undertake a historical analysis of SNAP to better understand its genesis, progression, goals, and objectives. This essay will study the program’s history and evolution, as well as the social and political influences that have molded it, to better understand how SNAP tries to address the societal issue of food insecurity.
Historical Development and Evolution of the Policy
As a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty program, SNAP was started in 1964 (Nestle, 2019). The program, which was first called the Food Stamp Program, was created to give qualifying low-income households coupons that could be redeemed for food at licensed stores. Since then, SNAP has experienced several name changes and adjustments to its funding, eligibility standards, and payout levels (Nestle, 2019). After satisfying the program’s income and household size standards, participants get a monthly bonus that can be used to purchase food at authorized stores.
Policy Implementation Level: Federal, State, or Local
The SNAP initiatives are operated by both the federal government and the states. Federal SNAP administration is carried out by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Each state has a designated agency in charge of running the program at the state level. Within federal regulations, states have some latitude in defining eligibility criteria and benefit levels.
Responsible Agency: Mission, Budget, and Structure
The FNS is responsible for creating and applying the rules and guidelines that control the program. The state agencies carrying out the program’s administration also receive technical assistance and training from the Food and Nutrition Service.
Purpose and Issues Addressed by the Policy
Food insecurity, or the difficulty in obtaining enough wholesome food, is the socioeconomic problem that prompted the creation of SNAP. Food insecurity is frequently linked to deprivation, unemployment, meager wages, and high food costs (Gundersen & Ziliak, 2018). Over the years, SNAP has come under fire and has been the subject of discussions over its benefits, eligibility conditions, and cost. According to the program’s supporters, SNAP is a crucial safety net for low-income individuals and families, and cutting benefits might lead to a rise in food insecurity. Political ideas and principles have also affected the design and execution of the program.
SNAP was created to reduce hunger and malnutrition in low-income households. The program aims to increase qualified households’ food budgets so they can buy a more nutrient-dense diet. It was a temporary program to assist people and families during challenging financial circumstances (Gundersen & Ziliak, 2018). The program aims to promote low-income households’ access to nutrient-dense food, enhance health outcomes, and lower the risk of developing chronic diseases. Nutrition education and outreach programs are also part of SNAP, and they work to increase participants’ understanding of nutrition and good eating.
Ideological and Political Foundations of the Policy
The liberal philosophies and values that underpin SNAP emphasize the importance of social safety nets and the government’s responsibility to meet the needs of its people. The program is also influenced by the principle of social justice, which attempts to guarantee that everyone has access to the necessities of life like food, shelter, and medical care (Gundersen & Ziliak, 2018). Political factors have also affected SNAP’s implementation. Debatable political views and ideals regarding the place of government in social welfare programs, for instance, are reflected in arguments over the program’s funding and eligibility conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the government established the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as a social welfare program to assist low-income individuals and families in meeting their nutritional needs. The program’s name has changed a few times since it started in 1964, and its funding, eligibility requirements, and award scales have all changed. To help eligible households address the social problem of food insecurity, SNAP offers monthly benefits that can be used to buy food at approved stores. Last but not least, SNAP is an essential safety net program that lowers hunger and malnutrition in low-income households, thereby improving the well-being of vulnerable individuals and families.
References
Nestle, M. (2019). The supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP): History, politics, and public health implications. American Journal of Public Health, 109(12), 1631–1635. Web.
Gundersen, C., & Ziliak, J. P. (2018). Food insecurity research in the United States: Where we have been and where we need to go. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 40(1), 119–135. Web.