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Everyone, journalists, we need to stop referring to SNAP as "food stamps." It's harmful. Here is why.
In 2008, the "food stamp" program was replaced with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides an EBT card to benefit recipients. 1/
In 2008, the "food stamp" program was replaced with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides an EBT card to benefit recipients. 1/
Going from stamps to an EBT card saved the govt money by not printing the coupons, and made benefits available immediately to recipients instead of making them wait or pick up the booklets in person. The EBT card reduced theft and fraud, and also reduced stigma for users. 2/
The SNAP card is more secure than a credit card. You have to enter a pin, and cashiers often go a step farther by asking to see ID (which they're not required to do). An electronic record of transactions is created, making fraud easier to detect. 3/
When we refer to SNAP as "food stamps," it contributes to the widely held, damaging misconception that beneficiaries receive a physical stamp--that is, something that can be traded or sold for something else. 4/
Lawmakers like me all over the country are working to protect fair access to SNAP & ensure that everyone eligible for these benefits has the opportunity to apply.
One big obstacle to passing legislation is the misconception that "food stamps" are used to commit fraud. 5/
One big obstacle to passing legislation is the misconception that "food stamps" are used to commit fraud. 5/
People who have never been in or adjacent to the social safety net are more likely to visualize poor single mothers standing at the checkout with a booklet of stamps. People really still think this! And many of them are lawmakers!
Our language is contributing to this. 6/
Our language is contributing to this. 6/
"Can people trade food stamps for drugs?" was a main point of argument (and distraction) in my bill this year to expand access to SNAP.
Some of my colleagues did not begin to understand until I pulled out my own SNAP card and showed them that there is literally no "stamp." 7/
Some of my colleagues did not begin to understand until I pulled out my own SNAP card and showed them that there is literally no "stamp." 7/
(Sidenote: Lawmakers shouldn't vote against any public benefits programs until they have had to fill out the paperwork, go through an interview, speak to a case worker learn about the disruptive and bureaucratic recertification process, etc., but that's another thread.) 8/
Journalists, lawmakers, friends, please don't call them "food stamps." No one is getting a stamp. Be aware that this language contributes to stigma, misunderstanding, and makes it harder for policymakers and advocates to help ppl who qualify for social benefits.
It's SNAP. 9/9
It's SNAP. 9/9
