Carmela Basel, for Herself and Everyone Similarly Situated v. John A. Knebel, Acting Secretary of the U. S. Department of Agriculture

Appellant brought this class action to determine the constitutionality of certain regulations implementing the Food Stamp Act, 7 U.S.C. §§ 2011 et seq. of 1964, as amended (1970). Under the regulations, households seeking stamps must from time to time obtain certification of entitlement from the state agency delegated responsibility for administering the food stamps program. 7 C.F.R. 271.4. During the period of certification, the recipient has the right to a hearing before the state may withhold stamps. The recipient remains entitled to receive stamps even if the hearing is not concluded…