A food stamp is a coupon or electronic benefit issued by the US federal government to people on low incomes so they can buy food — the popular name for what is now formally the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer card and can be spent on eligible groceries at authorised retailers, but not on alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, or non-food items. The program is one of America’s largest anti-hunger measures, supporting tens of millions of people and a significant share of grocery sales. Research links it to reduced food insecurity and better dietary intake among recipients, though debates continue over benefit levels, eligible foods, and work requirements.