United States Government Publishing Office publisher pbl distributor dst United States Government Accountability Office Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division author aut Government Organization text government publication eng GAOREPORTS Legislative Agency Publications gao legislative 2010-08-12 U.S. Government Printing Office 1999-07-02 monographic deposited born digital 50 p. GA 1.13:RCED-99-185 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-RCED-99-185 P0b002ee18038cac4 f:rc99185 DGPO 2010-08-12 2011-03-28 GAOREPORTS-RCED-99-185 machine generated eng fdlp REPORT GAOREPORTS-RCED-99-185 RCED-99-185 Program graduation Disadvantaged persons Children Food relief programs Eligibility criteria State-administered programs Food Stamp Program Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program HHS Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program AFDC Letter Report RCED Participation in the Food Stamp Program has dropped by 27 percent during the past 3-1/2 years. Welfare reform changed welfare from an entitlement program to one designed to end needy parents' dependence on government aid by promoting employment. The Food Stamp Program was retained as an entitlement but eligibility standards were tightened; adults without dependents had to meet work requirements and most permanent resident aliens were disqualified from participating. This report examines the reasons for the recent drop in food stamp participation and any problems that households with eligible children have experienced in obtaining food stamps. GAO found that the strong U.S. economy, tighter food stamp eligibility requirements, and welfare reform initiatives are the primary reasons for the decline in food stamp participation. But, some households, including those with children, have had problems obtaining food stamps because some state and local governments have gone farther than the law permits in limiting benefits. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-RCED-99-185/html/GAOREPORTS-RCED-99-185.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-RCED-99-185/pdf/GAOREPORTS-RCED-99-185.pdf GAO/RCED-99-185 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-RCED-99-185 Letter Report GAO/RCED-99-185; Food Stamp Program: Various Factors Have Led to Declining; Program graduation Disadvantaged persons Children Food relief programs Eligibility criteria State-administered programs Food Stamp Program Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program HHS Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program AFDC Public Law 104-193 Public Law 105-185