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FNS PR 0004-05

Contact: Susan Acker (703) 305-2286

Study Shows Participation Rate Increases in the Food Stamp Program
For the Second Year

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2005—USDA’s Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Under Secretary Eric M. Bost today announced the latest food stamp participation rates. The new data indicates the Food Stamp Program served 56 percent of all who were eligible to participate in FY 2003, as compared to 54 percent in FY 2002.

“Ensuring that all who are eligible to participate know about this program and can participate with dignity and respect is a top priority for President Bush and USDA,” said Bost. “We are encouraged by this increase in participation, which is another important step toward ensuring access to our national nutrition safety net for all eligible people in need.”

Changes in the law and policy reforms in 2001 and 2002 increased the number of low-income individuals and families, especially the working poor and legal immigrants, who are eligible for the program. In addition, USDA has worked with state and local agencies to implement improvements authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill to simplify program rules and support work, promoted the benefits of food stamp participation, and awarded grants to community-and faith-based organizations to develop effective outreach strategies to reach eligible non-participants.

In 2003, a total of 37 million individuals were eligible to receive benefits. Throughout the year, 56 percent of those who were eligible participated in the program; however, 65 percent of the total benefits possible were distributed. Participation rates were higher than average among families with children and people in the poorest households.

The Food Stamp Program, administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), provides nutritional support to needy households moving to self-sufficiency. The program serves as the first line of defense against hunger. For more information on the Food Stamp Program and other USDA food assistance programs or an electronic version of the report, Food Stamp Participation Rates: 2003, visit www.fns.usda.gov .

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