The last few weeks of budget negotiations hit a snag over the funding of the farm bill. The debate was over the funding of food stamps, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The holiday season is probably not the best time to discuss food stamps since any proposed reduction or revision can easily be attacked as being insensitive to people’s needs during Christmas.

Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at this government program that has grown so large in just the last decade. Michael Tanner writes about “Five Food-Stamp Myths.” One myth is that the increase in food stamp spending is due to the recession. While studies do show an increase in food stamps during the recession, much of the increase occurred under George W. Bush. In fact, the costs and number of recipients doubled during his time in office.

Another myth is that food stamps reduce hunger. Michael Tanner says that it is “hard to imagine that the government could spend $83 billion per year without having some impact on hunger in America.” Yet the Government Accounting Office found that “the literature is inconclusive regarding whether SNAP alleviates hunger and malnutrition for low-income households.”

Another myth is that food stamps “are just a temporary safety net, not a form of dependency.” While that may be true for many, nearly 56 percent of households on food stamps have been on the program for five years or longer. An estimated 4.5 million recipients are able-bodied adults. That is why many in Congress wanted to restore the programs work requirements.

Another myth is the belief that food stamps “are an effective economic stimulus.” The Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture could not determine whether the additional dollars in the previous food stamp expansion in the stimulus bill were making any economic difference.

A clear-head look at these myths illustrate why the food stamp program needs revision. Unfortunately, it is hard to debate these issues during the holidays when supporters of the status quo accuse others of bringing hunger and hardship to the poor during the Christmas season.