FRAC - Renaming the Food Stamp Program

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Comment on Renaming the Food Stamp Program

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials, state administrators, and
anti-hunger advocates have all raised the possibility of a new name for the
federal Food Stamp Program. Two major factors are driving interest: 1) benefits
no longer come in the form of "stamps," but are delivered via Electronic
Benefit Transfer (EBT); and 2) a new program name might lessen perceived stigma
and better position the Program with clients and the public.

August 23, 2004 Comment Deadline on Issue and Name Preferences

Now, through Monday, August 23, 2004, USDA is accepting public comments on
the possible renaming of the Food Stamp Program. By notice published in the
June 22, 2004 Federal Register, USDA specifically asks commenters to address
the following questions:

1) Should the Food Stamp Program be renamed?
2) If not, why not?
3) If so, do you have a name you would propose or recommend?
4) How does the name change reflect the purpose of the program?

Among those names already under consideration and referenced in the USDA Federal Register notice of June 22nd are:

- National Food Assistance Program
- Food Security Program
- Nutrition Support Program
- Food Support Program
- Food and Nutrition Program

Commenters, however, are not restricted to those choices (e.g. one group is recommending "Eat Better Today!", or EBT! See feedback section below). Suggestions for a new name for the Food Stamp Program will be accepted by USDA through August 23rd; comments may be sent, faxed and/or e-mailed to

John Knaus, Chief, Program Design Branch
Program Development Division
USDA FNS,
3101 Park Center Dr.
Alexandria, VA 22302
703-305-2486
john.knaus@fns.usda.gov

Click here for the USDA notice.

Background Some State Governments Already Use New Program Names

In recent years, three states have renamed the Food Stamp Program.

- For Michigan, it's the "Food Assistance Program"
- For Minnesota, it's the "Food Support Program"
- For Washington state, it's "The Basic Food Program"

Informal Rebranding Has Occurred in Some Media Markets

Informal program rebranding is also occurring in some other media
markets.

- For example, many recent Kansas state government materials refer to
the "Food Assistance Program."
- In 2003 Wisconsin conducted some research in preparation for
renaming the program; after learning of federal interest in a new national name,
however, the state decided to await further USDA action. July 31,
2003 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article on the matter
- Noting the switch to EBT benefit delivery and use of an ATM-like
card for program benefits, advocates in New York City have begun promoting
participation through the "Food Card".
- In 2003, the Texas-based Center for Public Policy Priorities featured an on-line survey to solicit name recommendations from advocates and other stakeholders. Of the 230 votes cast, 41% were for "Food Support Program." Runner up names: "Nutrition Assistance Program" received 29% of votes; "Food Assistance Program got 7% of votes.

Feedback

"Eat Better Today!" (EBT!) could be the new name of the Food Stamp Program if USDA likes the suggestion being made by the Fresno Metro Ministry Hunger & Nutrition Project. And, the group suggests, the new name, which capitalizes on the use of Electronic Benefit Transfer technology, could resonate in other languages. An example: "Entonces, la Buena Tarjeta!".

To provide FRAC with your feecback or recommendations regarding possible
renaming of the Food Stamp Program, e-mail evollinger@frac.org