House Republicans recently adopted their budget resolution, the first step towards a possible large scaling back of SNAP benefits to millions of Americans.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, plays a vital role in reducing food insecurity, providing essential support to over 41 million Americans each month. A new analysis from Trace One explores which states rely most heavily on SNAP benefits, analyzing the latest USDA and Census Bureau data to uncover the role of food assistance across the country.
Key Takeaways, With Data for New York State
- Current SNAP Participation: 41.7 million Americans (12.3% of the population) rely on SNAP, with total annual costs at $93.8 billion, down from pandemic highs but still historically high.
- Age & Sex of Recipients: Children (33%) and adults aged 30 to 49 years old (25.1%) make up the largest share of SNAP recipients, with women (54%) slightly outnumbering men (46%).
- Racial & Ethnic Breakdown: Non-Hispanic Whites represent 36.1% of recipients, while Black (22.7%) and Hispanic (29.1%) individuals are disproportionately represented compared to their share of the general population.
- SNAP Participation in New York State: In New York State, 21.9% of households and 15.0% of individuals receive SNAP benefits—the 10th highest rate in the nation.
- More New York State Stats: Households in New York State receive an average of $359 per month in benefits, while individuals receive an average of $209.
The full report covers all 50 states, with a detailed breakdown of SNAP participation rates, average monthly benefits, total annual benefits, poverty rates, and more.