Rapid Fire
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- 29 Oct 2025
- 1 min read
Millions of Americans will lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as the US government halts aid amid funding shortages and policy shifts.
- SNAP is the largest US food aid program, offering reloadable debit cards for grocery purchases in supermarkets and online platforms. Over 40 million people depend on SNAP.
- India’s Social Safety Net Initiatives: India also has social safety net initiatives such as Public Distribution System (PDS) for subsidized food grains and Poshan Abhiyan for improving nutrition among women and children.
Public Distribution System (PDS)
- About: PDS ensures food security by supplying essential foodgrains (e.g., wheat, rice, coarse grains) to vulnerable sections at subsidized prices.
- It operates under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, covering nearly two-thirds of India’s population as per the 2011 Census.
- Convergence with POSHAN Abhiyan: PDS supports Poshan Abhiyan by ensuring food access through subsidized grains, while Poshan Abhiyan ensures nutrition outcomes via ICDS, cross-sectoral convergence, and data monitoring for improved maternal and child health.
| Read More: Digital Platforms to Enhance India’s PDS System |
