Americans on food stamps

By Rebecca Rolfe, Published: July 11, 2013

The number of people using food stamps through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) increased by an average of 13 percent a year from 2008 to 2012. House Republicans dropped funding for food stamps from a new version of the farm bill. Voting takes place Thursday. Read related article.

2012 participation in SNAP, as a percent of total state population

Participation has doubled since 2008

Food stamp monthly averages

Participation

In millions of people

Individual benefit

Received per person

January grocery bill

“Thrifty” plan for men, ages 19-50

Note: USDA’s “thrifty” food plan contains the lowest amount of purchased fats and sweets.

SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Nutrition Service and the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion