The Food Stamp Act of 1977 defines this
federally-funded program as one intended
to “permit low-income households to obtain
a more nutritious diet” (from Title XIII of Public Law 95-113, The Food Stamp Act of 1977,
declaration of policy). Food purchasing power
is increased by providing eligible households with coupons or cards that can be used to purchase food. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the Food Stamp Program through state and local welfare offices. The Food Stamp Program is the major national income support program to which all low-income and low-resource households, regardless of household characteristics, are eligible.