USDA wants to increase food stamp participation

The United States' food stamp program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is currently used by 39.7 million people each month, according to a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) news release. This number is likely to rise as the USDA is trying to increase participation in the SNAP program as part of the Obama Administration's larger goal reducing hunger and improving nutrition nationwide. According to the USDA news release, among the new resources designed to increase participation is a new sign retailers will display that proclaims "'We Welcome SNAP Benefits."' Additionally, the USDA is putting in place a SNAP retailer locator, which is an online search tool designed to help recipients locate the retailers closest to them that accept SNAP benefits. Among the retailers that will post the sign, according to Alan Bjerga's article in Businessweek online, is Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which is the largest grocer in the nation. Others joining Wal-Mart are Safeway Inc. and Kroger Co...more