food stamp

American  

[food stamp] / ˈfud ˌstæmp /

noun

1. any of the coupons formerly sold or given under a federal program to low-income Americans and redeemable for food, as at grocery stores or markets: replaced by electronically deposited benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

---

Etymology

Origin of food stamp

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

He thinks any near-term volatility related to concerns about food stamp disruption from the government shutdown is a buying opportunity, given Costco will likely be less impacted than other grocery-oriented retailers.

From Barron's • Nov. 3, 2025

If the state were provided data, they argued, households wouldn’t have to submit their own verification proving their food stamp eligibility, which could speed up the process.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2025

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program's funding is mandatory, but food stamp benefits may be impacted by a shutdown.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2024

“I decided that the easiest way to stretch my food stamp dollars would be to go to the food bank first and then go grocery shopping afterwards,” he said.

From Seattle Times • May 10, 2024

Grinning, Amarante produced the food stamp book and, while Nick looked on incredulously, painstakingly tore out four one-dollar stamps which he laid carefully on the counter.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols