Social Policy Issue: Food Stamps Essay

Food stamps program in the United States is a program designed to address the food problems that face many American families that have little or no income to facilitate regular feeding of their respective families. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a state-administered federal program funded by the government that promotes distribution of food to families living in poverty. Every state has an administration that distributes this food to the identified families in dire need of assistance ("FSSA: About SNAP," 2018).

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SNAP despite the numerous calls to reform it plays a crucial role in aiding low-income homes, people with disabilities and those unemployed. While the government meets the full cost of the program, they do split the cost with the different states on the administrating of these program on various parts of the country. Being a program that provides help to the people, they do not possess a lot of restrictions when considering individuals to benefit from the program. One of the primary goals of the SNAP program is to improve the nutritional levels of individuals especially children from families that are living in poverty ("FSSA: About SNAP," 2018). Nutrition, especially in school, facilitates the proper learning of young children who are entirely not in control of the hunger predicament they find themselves while studying.

Low-income families through the SNAP can be able to afford food and other essential things through the use of cards that are provided by the program. A household must meet specific conditions that are considered by SNAP as important in determining the who is eligible and not. To apply for the SNAP program, one must meet the requirements that are set by the administrators of this program in their respective states. Through guidance provided by the government, each state has come up with a process that individual must follow if they are to be assisted through the SNAP program. Various aspects such as identity, immigration status, and their respective household numbers play an integral part in ensuring one gets enrolled in the food stamps program. The benefits that a person eligible for the program receives depends on their level of income and other factors such as the number of household members which plays a role in determining how much is loaded to their cards on a monthly basis.

However, despite the food stamps program playing a very fundamental role in ensuring that people do not suffer from hunger, politicians and other members of the public have been vocal on the introduction of reforms on this program. One of the main reasons that have prompted the emergence of this issue is the fact that it is an expensive program and takes most of the government's budget. According to many critics of the policy to improve nutrition and do away with hunger in America seems to be on the rise as more people get enrolled meaning more funds are needed. In the view of many people, this program encourages dependency on the governments rather than individuals taking up jobs and earn some income.

To ensure that this program is not a problem to the government's budget it is essential to introduce reforms which according to them will reduce dependence and encourage individuals to earn an income through working hard. One way they consider appropriate to deal with this issue is through the transfer of the program from the department of agriculture to health and human services department. This they argue is because issues of poverty have not been adequately addressed by a department concerned mostly with farming a different thing concerning the social problems that people face. Changing the department, they believe will ensure the welfare of individuals with issues are addressed appropriately by this department (Bradley, 2018).

Individuals also have been receiving help from the food stamps without adequately passing the mandatory test that has been put by the states to gauge eligibility for assistance. Sealing these loopholes can save the unnecessary national cost that arises from individuals illegally depending on aid yet they have enough income to enable them to buy foodstuffs.

Prohibiting families of illegal immigrants in the country from accessing the benefits of the program is another reform that needs to be introduced in this policy. While individuals benefit from these programs, illegal immigrants do not make an effort to be recognized as united states resident and contribute to the economy through paying taxes like other citizens (Bradley, 2018).

Drug and substance abuse testing should also be made mandatory to all people seeking assistance from the food stamp program. Given the rising number of beneficiaries it essential that only those who are willing to be helped on a short-term basis be considered first as opposed to individuals who might not be productive to the economy. By doing such tests, it is evident that assistance shall be provided to people who genuinely qualify for the program and this can be a stepping stone as they seek opportunities that can enable them to afford foodstuffs. Food stamps also should be a place where individuals are enrolled in a program that allows them to work while getting these benefits. By doing so, the issue of unemployment leading to low income can be addressed, and the low-income earners can be off the program and pave the way for other individuals who might be experiencing hard economic problems to get assistance (Bradley, 2018).

These reforms propose according to the critics of the current state of the food stamp program believe enforcing these changes can go a long way in saving the unnecessary government expenses on individuals who do not deserve assistance. While the program is meant to eradicate poverty the increased funding due to a large number of recipients signifies that this program might not be useful as it should be. Enforcing these changes is considered beneficial to the various individual in support of these change.

Rationale for selecting the food stamp policy

The SNAP program main agenda is to eliminate by hunger by feeding people with low income or those who are extremely poor. However, this program has been increasingly taking a vast budget feeding people they consider low income a number that is rising on a regular basis. I chose this policy because I feel it has failed in its mandate to identify the individuals who need help. This program has created a dependency at the expense of other hardworking citizens who struggle so much and pay taxes to the federal government. The way it has dealt with the social issue has not been beneficial as it has not combated poverty but rather aggravated the problem as many people are now enrolling in the program. These challenges make it a relevant policy to be assessed hence my selection.

REFERENCES

Bradley, K. (2018). Reforming the Food Stamp Program. The Heritage Foundation. Retrieved 26 February 2018, from https://www.heritage.org/hunger-and-food-programs/report/reforming-the-food-stamp-programFSSA: About SNAP. (2018). In.gov. Retrieved 26 February 2018, from http://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/2691.htm