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.

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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

First, the food stamp program—formally the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP—had grown over the previous few years because Americans had been struggling through the Great Recession.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 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

Welfare agencies were swamped with requests for emergency cash assistance and food stamp applications while the municipal civil service was hit with illness, death and a wave of early retirements.

From Salon • Sep. 27, 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