- Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach
- June 2021
- Focus-on-Poverty-371d
- Link to Focus-on-Poverty-37-1d (PDF)
- Link to Focus-on-Poverty-Classroom-Supplement-37-1 (PDF)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, previously called the Food Stamp Program) is a key element of the social safety net. Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach of Northwestern University explains how it has been an effective program, and why reforms should be undertaken cautiously in order to avoid making the system less efficient and effective. She also examines the critical role SNAP played during the COVID-19 pandemic; it not only provided much-needed support to struggling families, it was also an important influx of funds for struggling local economies.
Categories
Child Poverty, Children, Economic Support, Food & Nutrition, Food Assistance, Food Insecurity, Health, Health General, Means-Tested Programs