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Abstract
The Food Stamp Act of 1977 will expire September 30, and several policy issues will be addressed during congressional debate on reauthorization of the Food Stamp Program (FSP). Options such as restoring the cash purchase requirement or providing assistance in cash rather than food coupons may be considered, along with minor provision adjustments. Several provisions were implemented in the FSP in 1980 to limit costs (see NFR-11, Summer 1980). With continued emphasis on controlling the growth of the Federal budget, the cost of various food stamp policy options will be a primary consideration during debate on reauthorization of the FSP. Another key issue is the amount of flexibility that food stamp participants should have in food purchases.