- Janna Johnson
- Spring/Summer 2012
- Focus-29-1c
- Link to foc291c (PDF)
- Link to foc291sup (PDF)
The recent sharp rise in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants has received much attention in the press and from policymakers.1 Since the start of the Great Recession in December 2007, SNAP participation has increased to its highest level ever, serving 40.3 million Americans each month, more than 13 percent of the population, in fiscal year 2010.2 Less attention has been given to the fact that SNAP participation also increased during the preceding economic expansion. Between fiscal years 2003 and 2007, total SNAP participation increased from 21 million to 27 million, an increase of almost 30 percent. This rise marked the first time in the program’s history that participation increased during a period of economic recovery and growth.
Categories
Food & Nutrition, Food Assistance, Food Insecurity