I Truly Wish the Term, "Food Stamps" Could be Retired [View all]

They no longer exist. Food Stamps were phased out in 2002. Twenty-three years ago they were replaced with SNAP and WIC EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer ) cards. Used like debit cards, EBT simplify food buying and somewhat eliminate the shaming that used to occur in check-out lines. Of course, you can only purchase some items with either, so people have to divide up their shopping carts or shop two times now. So, it is pretty obvious, still, when someone is using food assistance. But, it's not as bad.

And yet, we persist in calling those programs "Food Stamps." They are no such thing. They are food assistance programs. No shame should be attached to their use. It's how our society assists low income people to survive in our current economy.

Let's call the programs by their actual names. SNAP and WIC. Let's stop the use of "Food Stamps" as a poor substitute for "Welfare."

People who need that help are already in a tight spot. They do not need shaming on top of that.