“Unfortunately, many Americans live on the outskirts of hope — some because of their poverty, and some because of their color, and all too many because of both. Our task is to help replace their despair with opportunity. This administration today, here and now, declares unconditional war on poverty in America. I urge this Congress and all Americans to join with me in that effort.”

President Lyndon B. Johnson served as the 36th president of the United States from 1963 to 1969. During this time, he signed the Food Stamp Act into law, which marked a significant turning point in the history of federal food assistance. His signature policy objective — the “War on Poverty” — included multiple legislative components such as economic development, youth employment, and expanded minimum wage.

Image Caption: “President Lyndon B. Johnson delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House of Representatives, Jan. 8, 1964.” AP Photo.