An Overview of the SNAP (Food Stamp) Program, Research Paper Example

An advertisement, or picture of a malnourished child elicits reactions from most individuals. It is in fact difficult to forget that type of image or ignore and therefore creates the basis of funding and social support within the community. While it is difficult to imagine there are a number of low income families that suffer from a lack of food on a daily basis, it is a growing problem. There are very real and negative consequences that come from any human being underfed or suffering from a lack of nutrition. While children usually come to mind, there are negatives for others as well, such as the elderly and disabled. The Supplemental nutrition Assistance Program, previously referred to as the food stamp program was created in the early 1960’s to address hunger and a lack of nutrition amongst low income families. While the program has changed names and has gone through various changes, it is more required, today than ever. This paper will explore the effectiveness, history, problems and positives of the SNAP program.

Structural Components

In 1961 a pilot program was begun to implement an assistance program to low income people and families in order to purchase food for their health and wellbeing. It is now referred to as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and became a nationwide program in 1974 (VartaAnian, Houser & Harkness, 2011). At many times during history, hunger and malnutrition have come to light and been a particularly difficult topic. One of the most famous eras where high public attention arose was during the Great Depression. Families were without food and had little resources to feed and care for their children.

As a form of resolve by the government the Department of Agriculture attempted to resolve some of the problem and ordered the slaughter of pigs and turning of crops to assist with the vast reaches of hunger (Moral, 2011). Citizens responded by lining up for assistance, and begging for help. Along with these efforts there were grocery basket lines, bread lines and various programs implemented in order to address hunger. While this was certainly not the first time in history for the problem of hunger to arise, it certainly gave rise to the need for government assistance. As the years have progressed government programs have been established to address malnutrition for the low income to thwart poor development and starvation. Since the beginning of the program, research has been used to show the deficit that can occur due to a lack of nutrition to children. Along with the most obvious social deficits of hunger, there are severe delays and problems that can occur when a child goes hungry. Along with children, hunger and inappropriate nutrition can also affect the elderly and general person through health problems (Moran, 2011). These health problems cause concern and the needs for additional government services through emergency room visits and low income health programs, which create a need for indigent care assistance.

According to the USDA, SNAP is the largest program to combat domestic hunger (2013). Eligibility is determined based on household size and income level. For example, a family of four must not exceed a net monthly income of $1921, which is considered to be at a 100% of poverty level established by the government (USDA, 2013). There are other guidelines that stipulate the amount of resources that a family can have and must be less than $2000, unless they are over 60 years of age or physically/mentally disabled. If a family of four meets the eligibility requirements they may apply for benefits and receive a potential of $668 maximum benefits on a monthly basis. The allotted benefits are provided on a debit card that can be used for specified grocery items. There are many products and food types that are restricted, such as alcoholic beverages, pet food, medications, hot foods or tobacco products (USDA, 2013). This of course is to limit the purchases to healthy foods for the family and not allow for frivolous purchases or unnecessary items. The program is designed to help families purchase healthy foods and restrict non-essential items. Items that are promoted consist of healthy choices that follow daily nutritional needs set forth by the appropriate food groups. Items such as meats, dairy products, fruits and breads are recommended for best health. The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, defines junk food, however allow for ice cream, soft drinks and snack cracker purchases with the SNAP benefits, because they are considered to be food products.

The SNAP program is administered and overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). While the monies allotted are from federal funds, the respective states are responsible for appointing the funds. The EBT or Electronic Benefit Transfer Card is loaded monthly by private companies that contract with the state of the recipient. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) there are approximately 40 million plus people enrolled in the program as of 2010 (VartaAnian, Houser & Harkness, 2011). There has recently been an estimated increase in enrollment because of the down turn in the economy.

The local state government is responsible for the oversight of the program and also investigating any allegations of fraud or abuse. There are numerous programs that fall under the SNAP program and address a wide range of needs, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy programs, which make overseeing difficult. Even though they are difficult to monitor these programs continue in order to address the many needs of a growing child or individual family members. According to Parke, there is about $31 billion that is used to sever low income Americans in need of nutritious foods (2007). While this seems like a large budget, when one considers the excessive number of low income families there is oftentimes not enough to supply the demand. Many individuals are ineligible because of their status, such as being a student, workers who are on strike, immigrants and/or former drug felons (Parke, 2007). This leaves some families at risk of hunger and is one of the concerns regarding the social impact and continued address of legislative efforts.

History of the Problem

According to Parke, the federal government has estimated the amount of food deprived households to be about 18.6% in the year 2004 (2007). The “food deprived” home is considered to be households that have food insecurity with hunger, meaning that they do not have an adequate supply or a lack of nutritional needs for their family. The need and demand for public assistance has increased through the years. The data collected and maintained since 1967 suggest that there has been an annual increase in individuals not being adequately fed (Berner, Ozer & Paynter, 2008). While the growth appears to be relatively slow, it is gradual and slowly climbing one and is approximately 12% of the United States population which is about 35 million individuals (Brown, et al., 2007). Worldwide it is estimated that about 9 million children go hungry on a regular basis. While it seems unthinkable, the address of hunger and governmental policy is imminent to health and well-being not only in the United States, but throughout the world.

While hunger is a detriment for any human being, there is commonly more emphasis placed on young children. Children are seen as helpless and often as a victim of circumstance, which creates a push for government action, as well as an increase in social services. Because children are rapidly developing, their bodies require more nutrients than that of adults. There are grave results and health problems that can arise from improper nutrition, decreased food and inadequate portions for growing children. According to, LaCombe & Ganji, one of the most commonly noted areas of deficiency, regarding nutritional deficits is in the educational setting (2010). One of the most obvious issues with a lack of nutritional food would be a decreased amount of energy, needed by the child. This not only thwarts motivation, but also a child’s ability to engage in the learning process. In a recent study conducted by LaCombe & Ganji, a group of preschool students and their nutritional habits were examined (2011). The goal was to determine how the lack of food or nutrition would affect a child’s performance in school. The families of the students were asked to withhold breakfast the morning before arriving for the study. Two groups were given difference amounts of food and observed during the process. The study concluded that children, who were hungry had a significant reduction in their energy levels. Other factors and body hormonal levels were also documented and found to differ greatly with the withholding of food. Hormone levels and metabolic consequences were found during the study, suggesting that there are many medical issues that can arise when a child misses only one meal (LaCombe & Ganji, 2011). The amount of hunger and lack of energy can directly affect the amount, as well as the quality of the learning environment. The study also found that children, who suffer from chronic hunger have a higher prevalence of learning disabilities, childhood diseases and other cognitive impairments. Other factors such as improper vitamins and minerals can also affect physical growth, therefore hindering developmental milestones. These development delays can cause long term consequences that affect society for the remainder of the child’s life.

Malnourishment in adults is also a detriment to society as well, even though it is not commonly seen as imperative when compared to the hunger of a child. The impact of hunger is far reaching and places individuals at risk for physical as well as mental deficits. The lack of food and nutrition decreases the effectiveness of the body’s immune system, thereby making them vulnerable to infections, mental disease and further hinders their ability to live an active life. This can actually decrease the individual’s ability to engage in live, hold employment and take care of their family. This increases the amount of social services or government assistance that the individual or family may need. The increased burden can actually place a hardship on the local and Federal governments for obvious reasons. Individuals who suffer from malnutrition are more likely to present in the emergency room or legal system, thereby increasing the need for state or federal monies. While hunger affects individuals in different ways, it is clear that they are all in detrimental manners, which have long term effects. The under nourishment of the body can lead to serious health concerns. It places individuals at an increased risk for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and brain deficits. When the body does not receive an appropriate amount of nutrition, it is unable to function at its maximum capacity.

Policy Analysis

Over the past several decades there has been many pieces of legislation to address the concern of hunger. There are hundreds of thousands of family’s that receive assistance on a monthly basis. In most cases, the SNAP program is the only method that the individuals have to provide nutritious meals to their families. The intended goal of the program is to assist families for a short period of time. This is meant to give the family time to find employment, or make other arrangements so that they may support themselves. In other words, it was intended to be a short-term solution for those in need, however it has increased significantly since the original pilot program. Some might argue that the increase in need or statistics may suggest that the program is not successful in its intended domain (Rosenfeld, 2010). While the numbers have increased, there are other factors that must be taken into consideration. The state of the economy has a large impact on necessity and the need for state assistance. One must be careful arguing that the increase in the SNAP program is due to failure. Other issues such as unemployment, the state of the economy and so on must also be evaluated.

It appears that the SNAP program provides relief to various family’s based on need. The intended purpose of the program is two decrease hunger and ensure appropriate nutrition for those living in poverty. According to Bartfeld, there are a number of single mothers and needy families that are served by the program, in the manner by which it was intended (2003). This suggests that the program is successful in providing nutritious options for families throughout the

United States. This does not however mean that there is not abuse or misuses of the program. One of the most common arguments about food stamps and other government assistance is the prevalence of fraud and waste. As stated earlier, there are numerous programs which make it difficult to ensure complete compliance, thereby creating a window of opportunity for fraud and waste.

According to Swan et, Al, there are a number of abuse is an misuse’s that occurs on a monthly basis (2008). Swan and her co-authors even details a term that is used to describe a female that misuse’s of food stamp program system. The term “welfare queen” is used to describe a woman that misuse’s the system in order to obtain benefits that may or may not be necessary. In some cases, individuals will sell or trade their allotted SNAP benefits for cash. While this is directly prohibited, it does not cease the actions or misuse. Some engage in these illegal activities so that they can use cash for other items that are not allowed by the program. Along with the purchase an ineligible products is sometimes engaging in criminal activities or behavior. In some cases those that receive benefits will trade for a lesser amount of cash in order to purchase drugs, alcohol or other prohibited items (Gilliom, 2005). This is one of the major concerns of the program and has caused a great amount of controversy. Illegal trades or bartering are certainly an unintended or undesired effect of the program. It is however very difficult to monitor, recognize and prosecute these types of actions because they are kept quiet between individuals. Like any other government assistance there are individuals who abuse their privileges, but cannot overshadow the true need of most families that receive assistance.

While there are individuals left unserved by the SNAP program, there are many that receive benefits that provide life to their families. It is important to remember that the majority of benefactors are truly in need, and not allow a few to ruin the program. Additional oversight and more stringent eligibility requirements, may decrease the amount of waste and fraud. As stated above, individuals, who have been convicted of drug offenses are not eligible for the program. Other requirements for the receipt of federal or state assistance could be the requirement of drug testing on a monthly basis. This could prevent some fraud because the recipient would likely not be as apt to trade their benefits for cash. Granted it is not possible to say that all families that have addiction issues are the only form of waste or fraud, but they do open the door to an increased potential for misuse due to their disease. Another form of address may be a more investigatory approach to eligibility may decrease problems within the program, such as requiring background information or other pertinent information. Understandably adding additional employees to oversee the program could lead to a reduction in the Federal budget, however maybe a necessity to monitoring, catching and prosecuting those that abuse the system. The amount of waste could certainly pay the salaries of additional employees and improve the outlook of the program in society’s eyes. Social services is primarily made up of actions and legislation to improve the quality of life. Addressing need and hunger is the epitome of the goal of social services. It is however difficult to understand or iterate the fact that not all needy families are served. The social services field is one that aims to address an entire need or problem within society, however understudy must admit the unreasonableness of the fulfilling of that desire. The attempt at help and continued address is in direct guidelines, as well as ethics set forth by helping others within society. By addressing needs the social responsibility, dignity and respect is given to individuals that require the assistance. It is important for policies and government assistance to work toward a greater good and not leave individuals in harmful situations or circumstances. The essence of social work is to return respect and humanity to mankind and that is the basis of the food stamp program.

In conclusion, the SNAP program is one of necessity and allows family’s to provide nutritious meals regardless of their ability. Family’s, elderly and young children cannot be allowed to go hungry. It is important to understand that while there is fraud and waste, that there are needy families receiving assistance. It is crucial that children receive appropriate nutrition, education and medical care so that they may become productive citizens. Without appropriate services and food, this cannot be achieved. The government must allow programs and services to further social services efforts in order to promote human line and well-being. The amount or level of fraud cannot justify or allow the lack of address regarding nutrition or hunger. Overall the program is a good one and needed within the United States.

References

Bartfeld, J. (2003). Single Mothers, Emergency Food Assistance, and Food Stamps in the

Welfare Reform Era. Journal Of Consumer Affairs, 37(2), 283-304.

Berner, M., Ozer, T., & Paynter, S. (2008). A Portrait of Hunger, the Social Safety Net, and the

Working Poor. Policy Studies Journal, 36(3), 403-420.

Brown, J. Larry, Shepard Donald, Martin Timothy, and Orwat John. 2007. The Economic Cost of Domestic Hunger: Estimated Annual Burden to the United States [Online]. http://www.helpstophunger.org/pdfs/Economic_Cost_of_Domestic_Hunger.pdf. Accessed August 7, 2007.

Gilliom, J. (2005). Resisting surveillance. Social Text, 23(2), 71-83.

LaCombe, A., & Ganji, V. (2010). Influence of two breakfast meals differing in glycemic load on satiety, hunger, and energy intake in preschool children. Nutrition Journal, 953-58.

Moran, R. (2011). Consuming Relief: Food Stamps and the New Welfare of the New Deal.Journal Of American History, 97(4), 1001-1022.

Parke E., W. (2007). Measuring the Effect of Food Stamps on Food Insecurity and Hunger:Research and Policy Considerations1. Journal Of Nutrition, 137(2), 307-310.

Swan, R., et. Al. (2008). The Untold Story of Welfare Fraud. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, 35(3), 133-151.

Rosenfeld, S. (2010). Fed by Reform: Congressional Politics, Partisan Change, and the Food Stamp Program, 1961-1981. Journal Of Policy History, 22(4), 474-507.

VartaAnian, T. P., Houser, L., & Harkness, J. (2011). Food Stamps and Dependency:

Disentangling the Short-term and Long-term Economic Effects of Food Stamp Receipt and Low Income for Young Mothers. Journal Of Sociology & Social Welfare, 38(4), 101 122.