ALBANY (AP) -- Anti-hunger advocates in New York want to change the name of the food stamps program to help avoid the stigma of receiving the benefit for the poor and working poor.
Assemblyman Jose Rivera of the Bronx says the stigma appears to be part of why many older New Yorkers eligible for the subsidy fail to take advantage of it. AARP says 23 states have changed the name of their food stamps program to SNAP. That stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The groups have released a report that says the name, as well as a finger printing requirement, are keeping hungry New Yorkers from getting the food they need.
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