According to a recent report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), about 1 in 4 Americans participated in at least one of USDA’s fifteen domestic food and nutrition assistance programs during 2013. In 2013, federal expenditures on food assistance programs increased by 2% and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was one of the largest programs. Historically, the percentage of population participating in SNAP corresponds with the unemployment rate. However, for the second year in a row, SNAP participation grew as unemployment fell. While some may be alarmed by this trend, the report states that “improvements of economic conditions during the early stages of recovery, when the unemployment rate starts to fall, takes longer to be felt by lower educated, low-wage workers” who are participants of SNAP. During previous recessions, the same trends were seen; indicating that it is possible that as economic recovery continues, SNAP participation will eventually decrease.
To see how other USDA’s Food Assistance Programs faired in 2013, click here.
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