Press Releases | Aug, 15 2018
Policy Commemorates 54th Anniversary of the Food Stamp Act
(AUSTIN) – Beginning Aug. 31, 2018, the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas, will offer free admission to low-income visitors who receive benefits from SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; WIC, Women, Infants, and Children; and MAP, Medical Access Program.
The Library’s new admission policy coincides with the 54th anniversary of the Food Stamp Act, signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on Aug. 31, 1968. “As a permanent program, the food stamp plan will be one of our most valuable weapons for the war on poverty," Johnson said at the signing ceremony. “It will enable low-income families to increase their food expenditures, using their own dollars." In 2017, 42.1 million Americans received food stamps.
LBJ Library SNAP Admission Guidelines
For free admission, visitors may present the following cards along with a valid photo ID:
- SNAP (Lone Star card in Texas)
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- MAP (Medical Access Program)
The LBJ Library will provide free admission for up to four people.
LBJ Library Director of Admissions Blair Newberry will oversee the new admissions initiative. “By removing financial barriers to low-income families and underserved communities, the LBJ Library hopes to expose our guests to the wonderful exhibits on display here, encourage them to learn about President Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson, and build lifelong museum habits."
In offering this free admission, the LBJ Library is joining with Museums for All, a cooperative which encourages families of all backgrounds to visit museums. By removing the financial barrier, Museums for All also removes the social and academic barrier families face when they are not exposed to high-quality museum experiences. Similar free and reduced admission is available to eligible members of the public at more than 250 museums across the country.
