FRAC Reports SNAP Participation Grows to 39.4 Million

The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) published a report this month on the growing participation rates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (commonly referred to as Food Stamps). Participation in SNAP has grown to record levels with an estimated one in eight Americans receiving SNAP/Food Stamps. Even though participation in SNAP has grown over the last year in every region – FRAC estimates that one in three eligible people are not receiving SNAP benefits.

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), SNAP benefits increased by 19 percent, eligibility rules were eased for unemployed adults without children, and additional funding was provided to states for program administration. The benefit increase ($80 more per month for a household of four) has provided greater support to families as well as positively impacted the economy. FRAC estimates that when federal SNAP/Food Stamps dollars are brought into families and communities, each dollar produces nearly two dollars in economic activity.

State policymakers should take a look at FRAC’s state by state analysis of program participation.

For policies to Enhance Food Assistance.