What program helps low-income individuals and families by providing food stamps?

The program that specifically assists low-income individuals and families by providing food stamps is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program is designed to alleviate food insecurity by providing financial assistance that helps eligible participants purchase nutritious food. The benefits work as a supplemental income to help cover the cost of groceries, ensuring that individuals and families have access to essential food items for a healthy diet.

In contrast, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) provides nutrition assistance specifically targeted at pregnant women, new mothers, and young children but does not cover a broader range of needs like SNAP. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) focuses on providing free or reduced-price meals to children in schools, ensuring that students receive proper nutrition during the school day but does not directly supply financial assistance for purchasing food at home. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households with their home energy costs, which is unrelated to food assistance. Therefore, SNAP is the appropriate choice for food stamp benefits targeting low-income individuals and families.