SNAP began in 1939 as a pilot program, then became permanent in 1964

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition information Program) started as a temporary experiment during the Great Depression. The first food stamp program ran from May 1939 to March 1943 in Rochester, New York. Participants bought orange stamps at face value and received blue stamps free — the blue stamps could only be spent on food. The program shut down after World War II when food became more available and cheaper.

The modern SNAP program began in 1964 as a permanent federal initiative. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed it into law as part of the War on Poverty. Unlike the 1939 version, the 1964 program expanded nationwide and used paper coupons instead of colored stamps. By the end of 1965, about 383,000 people were receiving benefits across 43 states.

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP started as a temporary pilot in 1939 but was discontinued after World War II ended.
  • The permanent SNAP program began in 1964 under President Johnson as part of federal anti-poverty efforts.
  • The program switched from paper coupons to an electronic debit card system called the EBT card in the 1990s.
  • SNAP has grown from serving fewer than 400,000 people in 1965 to millions of households today across all 50 states.

How SNAP expanded from a small pilot to nationwide coverage

When SNAP launched nationally in 1964, it was available in only a handful of states. Congress gradually expanded the program through the late 1960s and 1970s. By 1974, SNAP became available in all 50 states, making it the first truly universal federal food information program. The expansion happened in phases — some states adopted the program quickly while others took years to set up the infrastructure.

The 1970s brought major changes to how SNAP worked. In 1971, the government stopped requiring people to buy stamps at a discount and instead gave them the full benefit amount. This made the program simpler and more generous. Participation jumped significantly after this change because families no longer had to pay money upfront to receive benefits.

The shift from paper coupons to the EBT card

For the first 30 years, SNAP participants used paper coupons that looked like money but could only be spent on food at authorized stores. Paper coupons were bulky, straightforward to lose, and sometimes embarrassing to use in public. They also created problems for stores — coupons had to be counted, verified, and shipped to banks for processing.

In the 1990s, the federal government began replacing paper coupons with an EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer card). The EBT card works like a debit card — it holds your SNAP balance and you swipe it at checkout. The first EBT pilot started in 1993 in Maryland. By 2002, all states had switched to EBT cards. This change made SNAP faster, more private, and easier for stores to process.

Major changes to SNAP rules and benefit amounts over time

SNAP rules have changed many times since 1964. In 1996, Congress passed welfare reform that added work requirements for some recipients and set time limits on benefits for able-bodied adults without dependents. These rules vary by state and have been modified several times since then.

Benefit amounts have also shifted. The federal government sets a maximum benefit based on the Thrifty Food Plan, which estimates the cost of a low-cost but nutritionally adequate diet. When food prices rise, the maximum benefit increases. When prices fall, benefits may stay the same or decrease slightly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress temporarily increased SNAP benefits by 15 percent in 2020 and 2021.

What foods SNAP covers and what it does not

SNAP covers fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy products. You can buy fresh, frozen, and canned versions of these foods. The program also covers seeds and plants that produce food. What SNAP does not cover has stayed mostly consistent since 1964: no hot or prepared foods, no alcohol or tobacco, no vitamins or medicines, and no non-food items like soap or paper products.

Some states have added restrictions beyond the federal rules. A few states limit the types of seafood or meat you can buy. Others restrict sugary drinks or snacks. These state-level rules began appearing in the 2000s and vary widely depending on where you live.

How SNAP participation has grown since 1964

In 1965, fewer than 400,000 people received SNAP benefits. By 1980, that number had grown to 21 million. The program continued to grow through the 1990s and 2000s. During the 2008 financial crisis, SNAP participation spiked to over 40 million people as unemployment rose and more households fell into poverty. Participation has remained high since then, fluctuating between 40 and 42 million people depending on the economy.

The growth reflects both program expansion and changing economic conditions. As more people learned about SNAP and states made it easier to sign up, participation increased. Economic downturns also push more people to seek information. The program now reaches households in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did SNAP exist before 1964?

Yes, but only as a temporary pilot. The first food stamp program ran from 1939 to 1943 in Rochester, New York. It was discontinued after World War II. The permanent, nationwide SNAP program began in 1964.

When did states start using EBT cards instead of paper coupons?

The first EBT pilot started in Maryland in 1993. States gradually switched over through the 1990s. By 2002, all states had completed the transition from paper coupons to EBT cards.

Has SNAP always covered the same foods?

The basic list of covered foods has remained similar since 1964 — fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. However, some states have added their own restrictions on specific items like sugary drinks or certain types of seafood in recent years.

Why did SNAP participation jump so much in 2008?

The 2008 financial crisis caused widespread job loss and poverty. More households became poor and turned to SNAP for help. Additionally, Congress temporarily increased benefits during this period, which made the program more valuable to families.