Author: Christopher Bosso

Christopher Bosso is professor of public policy and politics in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs at Northeastern University, Boston, where he focuses food and environmental policy. His newest book is Why SNAP Works: A Political History – and Defense – of the Food Stamp Program (University of California Press). Previous books include Framing the Farm Bill: Interests, Ideology, and the Agricultural Act of 2014 (U. Press of Kansas 2017) and, as editor, Feeding Cities: Improving Local Food Access, Sustainability, and Resilience (Routledge 2017).

The Woman Behind SNAP: Leonor Sullivan’s Legacy Continues

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is the nation’s most important food assistance programs for low-income Americans, and one of its most important anti-poverty measures.

Former Representative Leonor Sullivan (D-Mo.) was one of only 11 women in the House in 1953, and came to Congress determined to help her constituents. Sullivan’s legislative strategy, aided by growing urban, Democratic power in the House, eventually led Congress to approve food stamp “pilot projects,” which ultimately laid the groundwork for SNAP.