How many Americans receive food stamps?

Critical Analysis

Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, and your knowledge of American government and politics:

1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP – commonly known as food stamps (even though there are no actual stamps involved) has been around since 1931. How many Americans received food stamps in 2023?

2. How many Americans received food stamps in 1980?

3. Describe the change over time in the number of food stamp recipients in the U.S.

4. The Great Recession was the sharp decline in economic activity that started in 2007 and lasted several years. It is considered the most significant downturn since the Great Depression in the 1930s. What happened to the number of food stamp recipients after 2007 and why do you think that is?

5. For a family of four in 2023 to qualify for the program it must earn no more than $2,313 in net monthly income (income after taxes and deductions). currently, 12.5% of the total U.S. population receives SNAP benefits. Some people argue that that number is too high, others, that it is too low. What would you propose as the maximum net monthly income to qualify for this program?

6. In April 2023, the national average SNAP benefit was $181.72 per person. What would you propose as the average benefit an individual could receive from this program?

7. Imagine the typical recipient of food stamps (SNAP) then using the data from the visual below, describe the typical SNAP (food stamp) recipient. Explain how the typical SNAP recipient diverges from your preconception of them.

8. Using the map below, identify the percent of the population of your state that receives SNAP (food stamps).

9. One component of the recent deal to raise the federal debt limit and cut government spending is additional work requirements for certain people who receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP – commonly known as food stamps. Why do you think SNAP recipients were targeted for cuts?

10. What on earth does any of this have to do with federalism? Pro-tip: think about it.

Learning Extension

Learn more about SNAP benefits from the Pew Research Center then listen to this NPR story: Adding work requirements for food stamps doesn't have desired effect, researchers say.

Action Extension

Contact your congressional representatives and let them know what you think about the SNAP program.

Visual Extension*