Food Stamp On-Line Pre-Screening Eligibility Tool

The Food Stamp Program (FSP) is the largest nutrition assistance program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The goal of the FSP is “to alleviate hunger and malnutrition … by increasing food purchasing power for all eligible households who apply for participation” as stated in the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended (P.L. 108-269). In September 2005 the FSP participation caseload was nearly 27.6 million people, an increase of approximately 10.5 million people over 5 years.

Every 5 years, the FSP is reauthorized by Congress as part of the Farm Bill. Most recently, the 2002 Farm Bill (H.R. 2646) that President Bush signed into law on May 13, 2002 (P.L.107-171). The reauthorization establishes who is eligible for food stamps and addresses program access, benefit levels, and other matters. There are more than 25 million people relying on food stamps for basic nutrition, but there are millions more people who are eligible and in need but are not receiving benefits.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Food and Nutrition Service continues to conduct research and studies aimed at improving the FSP. By improving access to the program in addition to on-going outreach and education, the USDA hopes to increase participation rates for those who are eligible for the FSP, but are not receiving benefits.

This section of the FRAC web site provides information on the Food Stamp Program including basic program information, reauthorization news, implementation materials, updates on policy developments, and links to other sites with materials important to the FSP.

FRAC Resources

• Federal Food Programs - Food Stamp Program – Includes Participation Data
• 2007 Farm Bill Food Stamp Reauthorization Center
• Take Action – 2007 Farm Bill: Protect the Food Stamp Program
• Food Stamps for Legal Immigrants Resource Center
• Food Stamps for the Elderly and Disabled Resource Center
• Food Stamps for the Homeless Resource Center
• FSP State Options Chart, August 2005

Legislation

• Food Stamp Act of 1977, as Amended (2004)
• 2002 Farm Bill (P.L. 107-171)

Food and Nutrition Service - Food Stamp Program

• A Short History of the Food Stamp Program
• What’s New
• Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Applicants and Recipients
• Outreach
• State Food Stamp Hotline Phone Numbers

Senate

• Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
• Committee Members
• FRAC Congressional Committees Staff Contact List
• Hearing Schedule
• Complete text of the Nutrition Title of the Senate-Passed 2002 Farm Bill

House of Representatives

• House Committee on Agriculture
• Committee Members
• FRAC Congressional Committees Staff Contact List
• Hearing Schedule
• Complete text of the Nutrition Title of the House-Passed 2002 Farm Bill

FRAC Reports

• Getting Food Stamps to Hungry Families on Time: Federal Rules and the High Performance Bonus for Timeliness - September 2005
• Food Stamp Access in Urban America: A City-by-City Snapshot - September 2005
• An Advocate’s Guide to the Disaster Food Stamp Program - July 2005
• State of the States: A Profile of Food and Nutrition Programs Across the Nation - 2005, Ninth Edition

United States Department of Agriculture Reports

• Calculating the Food Stamp Participant Access Rate: A Step-By-Step Guide - October 2005
• Characteristics of Food Stamp Households: Fiscal Year 2004 - September 2005
• Evaluation of Food Stamp Research Grants to Improve Access Through New Technology and Partnerships - September 2005
• Making American Stronger: A Profile of the Food Stamp Program- September 2005
• State Food Stamp Participation Rates for the Working Poor in 2002 - August 2005
• State Options Report - August 2005
• Food Stamp Benefits and Participation Rates within Demographic Groups - July 2005
• Food Stamp Program Participation Rates: 2003 - July 2005
• Impact of Food Stamp Payment Errors on Household Purchasing Power - March 2005
• Obesity, Poverty, and Participation in Nutrition Assistance Programs - February 2005
• Food Stamp Program State Options Report - September 2004

 Economic Research Service Reports

• State-Level Predictors of Food Insecurity and Hunger Among Households With Children, October 2005
• Assessing the Nutrient Intakes of Vulnerable Subgroups, October 2005
• Evaluation of the USDA Elderly Nutrition Demonstrations: Volume I, Evaluation Findings, August 2005
• Evaluation of the USDA Elderly Nutrition Demonstrations: Volume II, Demonstration Summaries, August 2005
• Food Stamp Program Entry and Exit: An Analysis of Participation Trends in the 1990s, July 2005
• The Food Stamp Program’s Elderly Nutrition Pilot Demonstration: Initial Evaluation Design, March 2005
• The Food Stamp Program's Elderly Nutrition Pilot Demonstration: Final Evaluation Design, March 2005

Archived Food Stamp Links

Updated 1/04/06.

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