SNAP Data
What is SNAP?
SNAP is a USDA program that provides assistance to purchase food goods to households in need and those transitioning to work.
What is the average benefit for SNAP recipients?
In 2008, the monthly average benefit was $101/person and $227/household (across the US).
How many people in the U.S. participate in this program?
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In February 2009, SNAP helped 32.6 million people (an all time record).
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SNAP participation fluctuates with both the economy and poverty patterns in the U.S.
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As the number of people in poverty rises, SNAP participation increases and vice versa.
What are characteristics of people participating in the SNAP program?
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49 percent of all participants are children (18 or younger), and 61 percent of them live in single-parent households.
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52 percent of SNAP households include children.
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9 percent of all participants are elderly (age 60 or over).
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76 percent of all benefits go to households with children, 16 percent go to households with disabled persons, and 9 percent go to households with elderly persons.
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33 percent of households with children were headed by a single parent, the overwhelming majority of which were headed by women.
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The average household size is 2.3 persons.
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The average gross monthly income per SNAP household is $673.
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43 percent of participants are white; 33 percent are African-American, non-Hispanic; 19 percent are Hispanic; 2 percent are Asian, 2 percent are Native American, and less than 1 percent are of unknown race or ethnicity.
Source: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/
Local SNAP Information
The following data comes from the New York Times article Food Stamp Usage Across America, November 28, 2009. The table below summarizes SNAP participation characteristics in our metropolitan area.
