Ensuring the dignity and autonomy of SNAP recipients

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) is the most important tool used to reduce food insecurity in the U.S. Central to its success is the high participation rate among eligible recipients. In this paper I consider a primary reason for this, namely that SNAP treats recipients with dignity and autonomy by allowing recipients shop at the same stores as other consumers; by not imposing work requirements; by not discouraging work; and by allowing households the freedom to make purchasing decisions consistent with the needs of household members.