food stamp

[ food stamp ]

noun

1. any of the coupons formerly sold or given under a federal program to low-income Americans and redeemable for food, as at grocery stores or markets: replaced by electronically deposited benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

Word History and Origins

Origin of food stamp¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

“It didn’t make sense why they were denying that person because they fit the criteria,” said Wells, citing the fact that Lifeline is for people well under the poverty line who receive other assistance such as food stamps.

From Washington Post

Principals were able to offer slots to anyone, but Ferebee had directed them to prioritize students at highest risk for academic failure, a broad group that includes students whose families receive food stamps.

From Washington Post

“Luckily the food stamps came through the day before Christmas, that really helped me to get through while I’m waiting for the check,” Case said.

From Washington Post

Having lost two art teaching jobs, Kluytman had to go on food stamps to help pay for groceries.

From Fortune

If their food stamps arrive in time, she says, she’ll splurge on a Christmas dinner of crab legs, mashed potatoes and salad, though she wishes she could do more.

From Washington Post

After food stamp usage hit record-breaking numbers in 2013, Congress tried to pare back the benefit.

From The Daily Beast

The food stamp program then lost $2.2 billion to help pay for a $4.5 billion increase in the school lunch bill in 2010.

From The Daily Beast

It was the first time in history a farm bill failed, and it later passed without the food-stamp component.

From The Daily Beast

In 2012, 47 percent of people who received food stamp assistance were in families where at least one person was working.

From The Daily Beast

For all the ugly talk of President Obama as “the food-stamp president,” that title should properly be shared with George W. Bush.

From The Daily Beast

We must distribute more food to the needy through a broader food stamp program.

From Project Gutenberg

Last year I twice sought long overdue reform of the scandal-riddled food stamp program.

From Project Gutenberg

In the food stamp program alone, last year, we identified almost $1.1 billion in overpayments.

From Project Gutenberg

The crime rate, the welfare and food stamp rolls, the poverty rate and the teen pregnancy rate are all down.

From Project Gutenberg