What is Food Stamp?

The Food Stamp Program is a government-owned program that helps provide healthy, nutritious food for low-income families. On 2008, the US government updated the name of the program as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), partly because the previous name was “outdated,” as the program no longer uses paper coupons and stamps (https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?menu=355&id=5206). Instead, the new version of Food Stamp Program makes use of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that can be used as ATM/debit card in most of the grocery stores of the country. In case you were wondering, here is how SNAP card looks like:

Arizona State government is also utilizing this program, with the abbreviated name Nutrition Assistance (NA). Although Nutrition Assistance sounds like a welfare program that is only for unemployed people, but first, it is not a welfare program, and second, as of May 2015, 35% of the families who are in the program were employed in low-wage jobs. That is, SNAP or NA is more like a governmental subsidy for anyone who qualifies for the USDA eligibility. 

There are three ways to apply for Nutrition Assistance. First, there is an online application available on www.healthearizonaplus.gov. Second, you can download the application form at https://www.azdes.gov/nutrition_assistance/ and fax it to Family Assistance Administration office. Third, you can ask for a paper application in your local Family Assistance Administration office. After the application is processed, the applicants go through eligibility interview, and about 30 days from the application date at the latest, you can attain the Nutrition Assistance card!

Information source: https://www.azdes.gov/nutrition_assistance/