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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a highly effective program, vital to our nation's health and well-being. SNAP's entitlement funding structure allows it to provide benefits to anyone who meets the program's eligibility requirements, and this structure also enables SNAPto respond quickly when need increases. Research shows that SNAP reduces poverty for millions, improves food security, and is linked with improved health.
Despite SNAP's successes, there is room to build on its considerable accomplishments. Evidence suggests that current benefit levels are not adequate for many households. Some vulnerable groups have limited SNAP eligibility, and some eligible individuals face barriers to SNAP participation.
Policymakers should address these shortcomings by increasing SNAP benefits and expanding SNAP eligibility to underserved groups. The federal government and states should also continue improving policies and procedures to improve access for eligible individuals. (Am J Public Health. 2019;109:1636-1640. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2019.305325)
SNAP-the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly the Food Stamp Program-is America's most important food assistance program. SNAP helps close to 40 million Americans afford a nutritious diet in an average month. Nearly 90% of recipients are in families with children, elderly people, or those with disabilities.1
SNAP focuses benefits on households with the lowest incomes: households in poverty receive about 92% of SNAP benefits, and households in deep poverty receive 55% ofbenefits.1 SNAP benefits average only about $1.40 per person per meal. Despite a modest benefit that may be inadequate for many families, SNAP has contributed to measurable improvements in the health and well-being of Americans.
Much of SNAP's success is attributable to its entitlement structure. SNAP benefits are available to anyone who meets the program's eligibility rules. This enables SNAP to respond quickly and effectively when need increases, such as during an economic downturn or after a natural disaster. SNAP enrollment rises when more people become eligible, such as during a weaker economy, and falls when the economy improves (Figure 1). During the Great Recession of 2007 through 2009, for example, SNAP expanded by about 20 million people, but enrollment has since fallen by 7 million people and continues to fall.
FOOD INSECURITY, POVERTY, AND HEALTH
SNAP, along with other federal nutrition assistance programs, has largely eliminated severe hunger and malnutrition in the United States, although more needs to be...