Reaching Those in Need: Estimates of State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation Rates in 2022
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Associated Project
Using Microsimulation in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Analysis
Prepared for:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
Key Findings
An estimated 88 percent of eligible people received SNAP benefits in fiscal year 2022. However, participation rates varied widely from State to State.
In 19 States and the District of Columbia, the rates were statistically significantly higher than the national rate, and in 19 States, the rates were significantly lower.
Participation rates also varied among the regions. The Midwest Region had the highest participation rate at 98 percent, which was significantly higher than the rates for the other regions. The Southwestern Region’s participation rate of 80 percent was significantly lower than the other regions.
The SNAP participation rate is the percentage of eligible people in the United States who actually participate in the program. Vigil and Rahimi (2024) examined national SNAP participation rates and rates for socioeconomic and demographic subgroups of people. This research brief presents estimates of State SNAP participation rates and State rankings for fiscal year 2022. These estimates can be used to assess recent program performance.
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