Release No. 0707.10

Contact:
USDA Office of Communications  202-720-4623

USDA Report Finds More Of Nation’s Neediest Families and Children Receiving Nutrition Assistance

WASHINGTON, July 9, 2010 – A USDA report released today shows that in Fiscal Year (FY) 2008, 67 percent of all who were eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participated, compared with 66 percent in FY 2007. Among children who are eligible for SNAP benefits, 86 percent participated in FY 2008.

The benefit receipt rate, the amount of benefits delivered in proportion to total benefits if every eligible household participated, also increased. In 2008, participants received 84 percent of all SNAP benefits available if every eligible person participated.

“These increases demonstrate the program’s continued success in targeting households with the greatest need, and in addressing a critical Obama Administration value – that no one in America should go hungry,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. He added that working with its State partners, USDA has increased program awareness to low-income families, simplified the application process, adopted broad-based categorical eligibility policies, and engaged our stakeholders in the community. “At the same time, these figures underscore that more must be done. We will continue to work with States to improve customer service and expand outreach and customer service strategies so that all eligible families can take advantage of SNAP’s nutrition benefits.”

Formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, SNAP helps low-income individuals and families purchase food such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is the largest of USDA’s 15 nutrition assistance programs, serving 1 in 8 Americans, and currently contributes essential food resources to over 40 million low-income people. And it provides linkages to other benefits as well.  Direct certification allows schools to use SNAP certification information to enroll children from participating households to receive free school meals, without the need for an additional application or other paperwork.

“SNAP participation not only helps these households with food at home, but also as a way to provide their children, through direct certification, with access to nutritious meals at school,” said Kevin Concannon, Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services.

Improving USDA’s child nutrition programs is a top priority of the Obama Administration. Congress is currently considering change to the legislation that authorizes these programs, including the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, and Summer Food Service Programs. The Administration seeks changes that expand the use of direct certification so that more children on SNAP are automatically enrolled for free school meals, support training for school food service workers, upgrade kitchen equipment, and increase meal reimbursements to schools that are enhance meal quality.

Visit www.fns.usda.gov  for information about USDA’s nutrition assistance programs.

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Last modified: 02/16/2012