SNAP Penetration (Individuals)
This indicator reports the proportion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants (individuals) who are also enrolled in other public assistance programs compared to those not enrolled in any additional assistance programs in July 2024. Data are obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Bi-Annual (January and July) State Project Area/County Level Participation and Issuance Data (FY1989–January 2025).
Note that not all states report at the project area/county level.
Source
Source Description
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is an agency of USDA’s Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services. FNS works to end hunger and obesity through the administration of 15 federal nutrition assistance programs including WIC, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and school meals. In partnership with State and Tribal governments, FNS’ programs serve one in four Americans during the course of a year. The FNS mission is to increase food security and reduce hunger by providing children and low-income people access to food, a healthful diet and nutrition education in a way that supports American agriculture and inspires public confidence.
Methodology
This indicator and its breakouts report measures for both individuals and households, including: the percentage of SNAP participants receiving versus not receiving other public assistance; the average SNAP benefit per participant; the SNAP participation rate among the total population or households (using CPS annual estimates as denominators); and the semiannual (6-month) change in SNAP participation rate, presented as a rolling percent change using the following formula:
Data are reported at the county, state, and national levels. State-level summaries are derived from county records by time period when not provided in the original data files.
For more information, see the Bi-Annual (January and July) State Project Area/County Level Participation and Issuance Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Data Breakouts Available
- SNAP Participation Rate (Individuals)
- Average SNAP Benefit per Person