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One program has been at the forefront of the debate: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). However, there is an important distinction to be made between SNAP and Food Stamps.
What is the difference between the terminologies SNAP and Food stamps? (Photo: AppalRed Legal Aid)
Difference Between SNAP and Food Stamps
SNAP and its outdated counterpart, commonly referred to as “food stamps” have been misleading because they are often used interchangeably.
While SNAP and Food Stamps are often used interchangeably, they carry different connotations and implications that can significantly impact public perception and support, HuffPost reported.
Historically, the government provided individuals in need with paper stamps that could be redeemed for food at grocery stores, leading to the widespread usage of the term “food stamps” to describe the program.
However, this terminology is now misleading, as SNAP has evolved significantly over the past two decades. Since 2008, the program has transitioned to using debit cards as a means of distributing benefits, offering a more modern and efficient method.
Aside from being outdated, the term “food stamps” carries a certain baggage that can influence public opinion.
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People’s Support Differs between SNAP and Food Stamps
Data for Progress, a liberal polling firm, conducted surveys earlier this year and discovered that voters’ attitudes towards the program differed based on the SNAP and Food Stamps terminology used.
In the survey, 70% of voters expressed support for increased funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), while 60% showed support when the term “food stamps” was used.
This 10-point difference between the term SNAP and Food Stamps remained consistent among both Democrats and Republicans.
Furthermore, the surveys revealed that voters are generally more familiar with the new name and acronym of SNAP. A substantial majority, 83%, reported having heard of SNAP, while 74% indicated familiarity with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
This suggests that the name change has been effective in raising awareness and understanding of the program’s purpose and impact.
Matthew Cortland, a senior fellow at Data for Progress, emphasizes the difference between SNAP and Food Stamps. He noted the importance of leaving behind the outdated stigma associated with “food stamps.” Additionally, the term “food stamps” can perpetuate misconceptions about the program’s beneficiaries.
A 2018 survey conducted by HuffPost/YouGov revealed that many voters hold the belief that most people receiving food stamps are Black, despite the fact that more white Americans than Black Americans actually benefit from SNAP.
This misperception underscores the need for accurate and updated terminology SNAP and Food Stamps that reflects the diversity of program participants.
SNAP serves over 20 million households each month. The program is providing an average benefit of $577 for a family of three. These funds can only be used to purchase food at grocery stores, with some exceptions.
The majority of SNAP recipient households include children, older Americans, or individuals with disabilities, highlighting the program’s role in supporting vulnerable populations.
While policymakers engaged in these debates have mostly avoided using SNAP’s old name, the media occasionally still refers to the program as “food stamps.”
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