Oregon Food Stamps - The Food Stamp Program

Oregon Food Stamps - The Food Stamp Program

The Food Stamp Program is a federal nutrition program. The Program’s laws and regulations are based on the Food Stamp Act passed by Congress in 1977. In 1974 Congress required all States to offer food stamps (FS) to low-income households. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the Food Stamp Program.

The intent of the Program is to help improve the health and well being of low-income households and individuals by providing them a means to meet their nutritional needs. Contrary to popular belief, food stamps are not meant to meet all of the food needs of a household or an individual, but to supplement their nutritional needs. People do not need to be destitute to qualify for food stamps.

In Oregon, the Program is administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) Children, Adults and Families (CAF) Division. The eligibility determination and issuance of benefits are provided through DHS and AAA offices across the state.

In August 2007, about 440,000 Oregonians in 227,000 households received food stamps each month. The average monthly benefit was about $176 per household. The federal government pays the cost of benefits, about $40 million a month, and divides the cost of administering the program with the state.

In Oregon, Food Stamp benefits are distributed through the state’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system, which allows recipients to obtain their benefits by using an “Oregon Trail Card” at the grocery store card-scanning devices.

Source: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/assistance/foodstamps/foodstamps.shtml

Oregon Food Stamps - The Food Stamp Program

See also:
Florida Food Stamps
Ohio Food Stamps
Texas Food Stamps