Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program By quirenerd 1939 Original food stamps program created 1943 Program discontinued 1962 USDA initiates food stamp pilot programs 1964 Permanent food stamp program instated 1971 National eligibility standards implemented 1979 Purchasing of food stamp coupons discontinued 2002 Electronic Benefit Transfer replaces paper coupons 2008 Name changed to SNAP Name changed to SNAP