Erasing the Stigma of Food Stamps

by Nicole Moore

Food Stamps aren't "Food Stamps" in the proposed reauthorization of the Farm Bill, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Mike Johanns told state legislators and legislative staff today at the NCSL Spring Forum in Washington, D.C.

"One of the barriers to increased participation in the Food Stamp program is the stigma associated with the name," Johanns said. "As we modernize the administration of the program, I believe it's time to eliminate the "Food Stamp" program in terms of the name."

Johanns said the administration has goals to increase access in nutrition programs, ensure that taxpayer dollars are used most efficiently and to make Americans healthier. To help achieve these goals, the USDA has proposed renaming Food Stamps the "Food and Nutrition Program." Listen to Johanns discuss this issue and other relevant parts of the Farm Bill reauthorization. (2:46).

Johanns also talked about federal incentives for alternative fuels.

"If someone had told you ten years ago that we'd be growing corn and soybeans to fuel cars, pick ups and trucks, I wonder how much of that we would have believed," he said. "Clean, renewable energy like ethanol and biodeisel allows us to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and creates new jobs in rural areas and economic opportunities." Listen to Johanns discuss federal incentives in the Farm Bill. (1:28)