How Did America's Food Assistance Program Get Started?

The video tutorial explains the evolution of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as Food Stamps. It begins with the program's origins in 1939, designed to address unemployment and food surpluses. The initial program required families to purchase stamps, which changed over time. In 1961, President Kennedy introduced a pilot program, and in 1964, President Johnson made the program permanent. Significant changes occurred in 1977 under President Carter, eliminating the purchase requirement. Today, SNAP benefits are delivered electronically, allowing families to buy essential foods but not alcohol or non-food items.

Describe how families receive their SNAP benefits today.

What items are families prohibited from purchasing with their SNAP benefits?