The Role of U.S..Department of Agriculture in Food Stamp Program

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26380418
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Economic history
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: SATO Chitose 筑波大学, 人文社会系, 教授 (70309863)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: アメリカ / 社会保障 / 社会福祉 / 食糧支援

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The food stamp program (also known as SNAP) has been an integral part of the American social welfare system since its inception in the 1930s. By providing food-purchasing assistance for low income families, it has saved millions of destitute people, especially children, from malnutrition and hunger. In recent years, a rapid expansion of the food stamp program has made it a target for criticism among budget-minded conservatives. However, since the food stamp program is administered by the Department of Agriculture under the Agricultural Act, unlike other welfare programs, it has been protected by a multitude of agricultural interests and escaped a drastic scale-down. This research project explored the history of the food stamp program and its contemporary significance as food assistance for low-income people in the United States.

Free Research Field

経済史