Released: October 20, 2008

Rules relaxed for ‘food stamp’ eligibility

Source: Wendy Koch, USA Today

As the economy weakens, states and the federal government are trying to help more people qualify for food stamps.

Since Oct. 1, new federal rules make it easier for households with income from combat pay, retirement accounts or education savings to be eligible. The rules are part of the 2008 Farm Bill, which changed the name of the food stamp program to SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“This is a nutrition program, not a welfare program,” says Jean Daniel, spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), noting that half the 29 million Americans who receive aid are children. SNAP serves one of every five of the nation’s kids, who are also eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.

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