Oregon DHS: Food Stamp Program

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
formerly known as the Food Stamp Program

Information for applicants and recipients

Information for retailers

SNAP Resources

Oregon will be changing the name of the Food Stamp Program to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)!

The name change will take effect January 1, 2010. The program has not used "stamps" since 1998. As part of the "Farm Bill" changes made in October of 2008 the name of the program nationally was changed to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The new name represents the programs focus on nutrition and putting healthy food within reach for low income Oregonians.

During the next several months you will begin to see the new name appear. The transition will take place as forms and information packets are replaced; all new material will use the new name.

American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 impact to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestement Act of 2009. The Recovery Act increased benefits for SNAP recipients beginning in April 2009.

SNAP (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) is a federal nutrition program. The Program's laws and regulations are based on the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 passed by Congress in 2008. In 1974 Congress required all States to offer food benefits to low-income households. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the 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, SNAP benefits 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 SNAP benefits.

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 May 2009, about 602,000 Oregonians in 313,000 households received food benefits. The average monthly benefit was about $250 per household. The federal government pays the cost of benefits, about $78 million a month, and divides the cost of administering the program with the state.

In Oregon, the 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.

^ Back to top