Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Research Paper

Words: 1612
Pages: 7

Elaine Reyes
Social work
Professor Fran S. Danis
April 14, 2015 The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, (SNAP), is the program which is commonly known as food stamps. It’s a federal nutrition program. SNAP benefits are used to buy food at grocery stores, deli’s, Supermarkets, and some farmers markets. SNAP benefits are given to each person who qualifies every month on a plastic card called an EBT. “EBT” stands for electronic benefits transfer card, which works like a debit card, you swipe and enter your pin to purchase. The SNAP program was founded in 1933 as part of the “AAA” which is short for, Agricultural Adjustment Act. The program, referred to as the Federal Surplus Relief Corporation, was set in the middle of the Great Depression.
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Also many of the reduced priced products aren’t organic or have GMO’s. If I didn’t know how to cook, I would have alter my eating style because most of the SNAP products are groceries and not meals, I would need to learn how to cook. The SNAP program is surprisingly accepted in many stores and big organizations such as local supermarkets, grocery stores, Walmart, whole foods, BJ’s, D’agustinos and even some restaurants accept SNAP. Although some restaurants take EBT many don’t such as, Mc Donald’s, Burger King, Chipotle, Wendy’s, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and target doesn’t accept SNAP. Products that cannot be purchased with SNAP are soaps, paper products, household supplies, Vitamins and medicines. What is not covered by SNAP can still be expensive and are very essential items. Low income families might use what they would have been spending on the food items that aren’t covered by …show more content…
I was surprised at how much one can buy with food stamps at a supermarket that accepts it. I also caught myself calculating what I would be charged with each item that I selected because of my budget. It definitely makes those who have SNAP more aware and cautious of what they are buying when it’s dealing with prices. For example, they will pay more attention to the supermarkets catalog because of the sales and what is more beneficial. What is difficult is shopping healthy because junk food is so easy to get and it’s a lot less expensive than healthy alternatives such as natural juices, fruits, and vegetables. It is not very difficult to receive SNAP in my opinion as long as everything is in order, I am not sure how long the process to get an interview actually is or how long it takes to process your information but I think it’s fair. I also think it’s great that they are pushing those on the program to get a job and are giving training and helping them search for a job while in the program, that way it limits people from taking advantage and helps people get back on their