Introduced in the 1960s, food stamps became a vital resource for low-income Americans during the 1980s. The program provided assistance in the form of coupons that could be exchanged for food at authorized grocery stores. This lifeline helped mitigate the impact of economic hardship and food insecurity, particularly during a period of high unemployment and inflation.
The Food Stamp Act of 1977 expanded eligibility for the program, making it available to more households in need. This expansion recognized the growing number of Americans struggling to put food on the table. The program’s benefits extended beyond providing immediate food assistance. It also stimulated the economy by increasing demand for food products and supporting local businesses.
