Search Newsroom

The Federal food benefits program has received a new name, but the services provided under the program will remain the same.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service announced last fall the food program has been renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The SNAP program, formerly known as Food Stamps, is administered in Oklahoma by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

The name change reflects the renewed focus on nutrition education and putting healthy food within reach of low income households, an OKDHS official said. Program eligibility was determined by income and assets, but new SNAP eligibility standards could help more applicants qualify for benefits.

"The new eligibility provisions will exclude certain forms of income, such as retirement and education savings,? said Kathie Wright, programs manager, OKDHS Family Support Services Division. "We will also be able to help clients learn to make healthy eating and active lifestyle choices.?

In fiscal year 2008, more than $484.6 million in food benefits was issued in Oklahoma. The funds have a positive impact on the community because every $5 in new SNAP benefits generates more than $9 in total community spending.

The name change also comes at a time when states use an Electronic Benefit Transfer system and no longer use paper Food Stamps. Oklahoma's EBT system has been in place since 1997 and the state hasn't used paper Food Stamps since 1998. Debit cards are now issued to Oklahoma families qualifying for nutrition benefits.

Those already receiving the benefit don't need to reapply, submit additional paperwork, or worry they will lose their benefits with the name change, Wright noted.

Each state was able to decide whether to use the name SNAP, or whether to develop a different name. Oklahoma has elected to use the SNAP acronym, Wright added.

For more information, visit http://www.okdhs.org/ or http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/snap.htm