SNAP Participation Statistics
Comprehensive data on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) enrollment, benefits, and trends nationwide
Updated: January 2025
National SNAP Statistics (FY 2025)
42.0M
SNAP Recipients22.0M
Households Receiving SNAP$195
Average Monthly Benefit per Person$98.3B
Annual Benefits DistributedAbout SNAP
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as Food Stamps, is the nation's largest nutrition assistance program.
Program Benefits
- Monthly benefits loaded onto EBT card
- Can purchase food at authorized retailers
- Helps low-income families afford nutritious food
- Benefits typically issued within 30 days of application
Who Qualifies
- Household income below 130% of poverty line
- U.S. citizens and certain legal immigrants
- Work requirements for able-bodied adults
- Asset limits vary by state
Learn More: Visit our SNAP Facts page for detailed eligibility information and how to apply.
SNAP Participation by State
State-level SNAP participation varies based on poverty rates, state policies, and population demographics.
| State | Recipients | Participation Rate | Avg. Benefit/Person | Total Benefits/Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 4,986,000 | 12.6% | $189 | $942.4M |
| Texas | 3,785,000 | 12.7% | $186 | $704.0M |
| Florida | 2,954,000 | 13.2% | $192 | $567.2M |
| New York | 2,847,000 | 14.5% | $201 | $572.2M |
| Pennsylvania | 1,864,000 | 14.5% | $197 | $367.2M |
| Ohio | 1,567,000 | 13.4% | $194 | $304.0M |
| North Carolina | 1,387,000 | 12.9% | $188 | $260.8M |
| Michigan | 1,342,000 | 13.4% | $196 | $263.0M |
| Tennessee | 989,000 | 14.2% | $191 | $188.9M |
| Louisiana | 878,000 | 18.9% | $187 | $164.2M |
| Kentucky | 664,000 | 14.8% | $193 | $128.2M |
| Alabama | 863,000 | 17.3% | $185 | $159.7M |
| Virginia | 743,000 | 8.6% | $194 | $144.1M |
| West Virginia | 329,000 | 18.3% | $188 | $61.9M |
| Mississippi | 565,000 | 19.1% | $182 | $102.8M |
Data Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, FY 2024 data (most recent available).
SNAP Participation Trends (2015-2025)
Key Trends:
- 2015-2019: Declining participation as economy improved post-recession
- 2020: Sharp increase due to COVID-19 pandemic and emergency allotments
- 2021-2023: Record participation with enhanced benefits during pandemic
- 2024-2025: Decline as emergency allotments ended and economy stabilized
SNAP Participant Demographics
By Age Group
Children and seniors make up the majority of SNAP recipients, with working-age adults comprising the remainder.
Household Characteristics
Employment Status
- 31% of SNAP households have earned income
- Many recipients are working poor
- Unemployed households: 24%
Household Composition
- Households with children: 44%
- Elderly households: 21%
- Disabled member: 28%
- Single-person households: 42%
SNAP Program Impact
Health Benefits
- Reduces food insecurity by 30% among participants
- Improves dietary quality and nutrition intake
- Associated with better health outcomes for children
- Reduces hospitalization rates among seniors
Economic Impact
- Every $1 in SNAP generates $1.50-$1.80 in economic activity
- Supports jobs in grocery stores and food production
- Acts as automatic economic stabilizer during recessions
- Helps families afford other necessities like housing and utilities
States by SNAP Participation Rate
Highest Participation Rates
- Mississippi - 19.1% of population
- Louisiana - 18.9% of population
- West Virginia - 18.3% of population
- New Mexico - 17.8% of population
- Alabama - 17.3% of population
- Kentucky - 14.8% of population
- New York - 14.5% of population
Higher rates typically correlate with higher poverty and food insecurity rates.
Lowest Participation Rates
- Wyoming - 5.2% of population
- North Dakota - 5.8% of population
- Utah - 6.1% of population
- New Hampshire - 6.4% of population
- South Dakota - 6.9% of population
- Minnesota - 7.2% of population
- Virginia - 8.6% of population
Lower rates often reflect lower poverty rates and stronger economies.
Need Help with SNAP?
Learn how to apply for SNAP benefits and find resources to help with food costs
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