What is the primary purpose of Food Stamps?

The primary purpose of Food Stamps, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is to supplement low-income families with food assistance. This program is designed to help individuals and families afford nutritious food, thereby improving food security and alleviating hunger. By providing this assistance, the program aims to ensure that people have access to the necessary resources to maintain a healthy diet.

The program operates by giving eligible participants electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards that can be used to purchase food items from authorized retailers. This support is critical for low-income households, as it helps them meet their basic nutritional needs, which can often be a challenge without such assistance. The focus is on enabling individuals to make healthier food choices and to promote overall health within the community.