Introduction Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has served as the foundation of America's national nutrition safety net, working to end hunger and improve the health of low-income people by helping families buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet. 1 Qualification In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts: Household SizeMaximum Income Level (Per Year)1$15,4442$20,8263$26,2084$31,5905$36,9726$42,3547$47,7498$53,157 According to the South Carolina Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program The benefits are not intended to cover all of a family's food costs, but will lessen the amount of income that must be used toward groceries each month. Families, people living alone, and people living with roommates use SNAP. People who are homeless can get SNAP benefits too. People of all ages are a part of SNAP. For households with more than eight people, add $5,408 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines. 2 Program History Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Pilot Food Stamp Program (1961-1964) Food Stamp Act of 1964 (Under President Johnson) According to the South Carolina Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP: Created in 1939; lasted for 4 years Program ended due unmarketable food surpluses and widespread unemployment; no longer existed Orange stamps used to buy any food, Blue stamps for surplus food determined by the Gov’t PILOT: President Kennedy 1st Executive Order called for expanded food distribution Retain the requirement that the food stamps be purchased, but eliminated the concept of special stamps for surplus foods ACT: The eligibility for purchase with food stamps of all items intended for human consumption except alcoholic beverages and imported foods Prohibitions against discrimination on bases of race, religious creed, national origin, or political beliefs 3 Program History Major Reform – 1970’s The Food Stamp Act of 1977 Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT): 1988 - 2004 According to the South Carolina Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program MAJOR REFORM 1971, established uniform national standards of eligibility and work requirements Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973, required States to expand the program to every political jurisdiction before July 1, 1974 FOOD STAMP ACT Established statutory income eligibility guidelines at the poverty line Restricted eligibility for students and aliens (illegal) • Eliminated the requirement that households must have cooking facilities EBT: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows a recipient to authorize transfer of their government benefits from a Federal account to a retailer account to pay for products received EBT is used in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. State food stam.