NCJ Number
64657
Journal
Connecticut Law Review Volume: 8 Dated: (SUMMER 1976) Pages: 657-689
Date Published
1976
Length
33 pages
Annotation
THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATION OF THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM, ITS ALLEGED DEFICIENCIES, AND PROPOSALS FOR REFORM ARE EXAMINED.
Abstract
ESTABLISHED AS A PILOT PROGRAM IN 1961, THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM HAD SPREAD TO 44 STATES AND HAD OVER 3 MILLION RECIPIENTS BY 1969. REVISION OF THE FOOD STAMP ACT IN 1971 BROADENED AND LIBERALIZED THE PROGRAM AND ADDED REFORMS DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE PERCEIVED ABUSES. TODAY'S PROGRAM EXTENDS TO EVERY STATE AND ALMOST EVERY COUNTY. IN 1975, OVER 19 MILLION PEOPLE LIVED IN HOUSEHOLDS RECEIVING FOOD STAMPS. SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN CRITICIZED FROM TIME TO TIME FOR ITS COST AND SIZE, FRAUD AND OTHER ABUSES, LAX ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS, LOW PURCHASE REQUIREMENTS, INADEQUATE ALLOTMENTS, INEQUITIES, AND PROCEDURAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS. DESPITE OBJECTIONS TO THE PROGRAM, THERE ARE FUNDAMENTAL AGREEMENTS UNDERLYING THE ATTACKS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM, AS ILLUSTRATED BY PROPOSED ALTERNATIVES, ESPECIALLY THE PROPOSAL FOR A PROGRAM OF CASH PAYMENTS. GIVEN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITMENT TO THE PROGRAM'S CONTINUATION, THERE ARE MANY VALID CRITICISMS WHICH SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. ALTHOUGH ABUSES ARE MOSTLY MINOR, THE MISUSE OF FUNDS BY AUTHORIZED VENDORS IS SERIOUS. THE FOLLOWING REFORMS ARE RECOMMENDED: (1) RAISE ALLOTMENTS; (2) EQUALIZE PURCHASE REQUIREMENTS; (3) SIMPLIFY CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES; (4) TIGHTEN COUPON DISTRIBUTION; (5) FURTHER STRENGTHEN AND IMPROVE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION; AND (6) ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROGRAM'S COST AND BUDGET ACCORDINGLY. FOOTNOTES WHICH INCLUDE REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED. (CFW)