Resource Library

SNAP Monthly Data 2018

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the nation’s first line of defense against hunger, is critically important for rural America. In addition to improving the food security, health, and well-being of participating families, federal SNAP dollars stimulate rural economies through assistance that goes directly to struggling families to purchase food.

FRAC’s first-ever report on the Afterschool Nutrition Programs measures how many children had access to afterschool suppers and snacks in October 2016, nationally and in each state.

The report found that nearly 1.1 million low-income children benefited from afterschool suppers in October 2016, up from just 200,000 in October 2011.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is one of the crown jewels of U.S. public policy. More than 40 million children, parents working at low wages, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, members of the active duty military, unemployed working-age adults, and others receive SNAP in an average month.

This report outlines the numerous benefits of SNAP, how attacks on the program are directed at much of America’s population, why the proposals to restrict SNAP foods are misplaced, and policy solutions that exist to improve SNAP beneficiaries’ health.

Check out FRAC’s #SNAPshots campaign graphics to spread awareness of how SNAP lifts up millions of U.S. households.

A quote from FRAC’s #SNAPshots campaign, shedding light on the importance of SNAP and federal nutrition programs.

A quote from FRAC’s #SNAPshots campaign, shedding light on the importance of SNAP and federal nutrition programs.

A quote from FRAC’s #SNAPshots campaign, shedding light on the importance of SNAP and federal nutrition programs.

A quote from FRAC’s #SNAPshots campaign, shedding light on the importance of SNAP and federal nutrition programs.

A quote from FRAC’s #SNAPshots campaign, shedding light on the importance of SNAP and federal nutrition programs.

A quote from FRAC’s #SNAPshots campaign, shedding light on the importance of SNAP and federal nutrition programs.

A fact sheet outlining the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s anti-hunger, economic, child development, public health, and anti-poverty strengths.

This fact sheet features graphics and information on “SNAP Action Needed:”

1. Congress should protect and strengthen SNAP — no cuts, block grants, or structural changes.
2. Congress should strengthen SNAP by passing H.R. 1276 — the “Closing the Meal Gap Act” of 2017 to: Base SNAP benefit allotments on the more adequate Low-Cost Food Plan; Boost SNAP benefits for families with children forced to choose between food and shelter; Boost SNAP benefits for older Americans forced to choose between food and medicine; Boost the SNAP minimum monthly benefit to $25 per month; and Ensure that jobless adults are offered employment and training opportunities before time limiting their SNAP benefits.

This poster can be used in health care settings to help connect at-risk patients to SNAP and other federal nutrition programs.

This brief first provides background information on the four USDA Food Plans, including the Thrifty Food Plan and the Low-Cost Food Plan. The second section details the weaknesses and limitations of the Thrifty Food Plan. The final section discusses why a more adequate food plan should be the basis for SNAP benefit allotments rather than the current Thrifty Food Plan, and concludes with a brief overview of the favorable impact of more adequate benefit levels on food spending and health.