Quick, name one of America’s most successful social welfare programs. (Vote in our poll.) You probably didn’t come up with food stamps—the program about to observe its 60th birthday.
That’s a shame. I’ve spent years researching the history, political resilience, and impact of what is now the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. In an era of cynicism about government, SNAP stands out for doing its job. Yet most Americans, even those who benefit from SNAP, are unaware of its scope and importance.
Signed into law on August 31, 1964, the nation’s largest food assistance program now makes a difference in the lives of some 42 million Americans. Here are four reasons why SNAP is worth celebrating as a government program that works.
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