Before the advent of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, food stamps were distributed as paper coupons. These “old food stamp coupons” were used by low-income individuals and families to purchase food at authorized grocery stores.
The Food Stamp Act of 1964 established the Food Stamp Program, which aimed to alleviate hunger and improve the nutritional status of low-income Americans. Food stamp coupons played a crucial role in achieving these goals, providing a direct and accessible form of food assistance.