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You are here: Home > Food Stamp Program > Legislation
Food Stamp Program

Legislative History of the Food Stamp Program

Information concerning public laws is also located at the Library of Congress.

  1951
  One 1 food stamp bill introduced.
 
  1954
  Focus in Congress was on supplemental "food certificates" for social security recipients, but the administration was strongly opposed thinking a commodity program more economical and efficient.
 
  1956
  Recession in progress. Democratic platform called for a FSP. P.L. 84-540 directed the Secretary of Agriculture to report to Congress an analysis of a food stamp program as a means of surplus food disposal.
 
  1957
  17 food stamp bills introduced. The Department submitted a report to Congress outlining a program similar to the 1964 Act.
 
  1958
  16 food stamp bills introduced. The Department continued to oppose these efforts believing the FSP to be too expensive and would not assist with surplus reduction.
 
  1959
  More bills and hearings.
  Sept. 21: P.L. 86-341 authorized a discretionary two-year FSP to promote purchase of surplus commodities. Eisenhower administration chose not to implement this program.
 

Last modified: 02/01/2008