SNAP PARTICIPATION DOUBLES SINCE 2000

The share of households on food stamps has more than doubled since 2000, a new Census Bureau report shows. From 2000 to 2013, the share of households receiving SNAP has grown from 6.2% to 13.5% nationally. What was once a program providing aid to 1 in 16 Americans is now helping 1 in 8.  In 2000, 10.9% of West Virginian households received food stamps—more than any other state. Today, 37 states boast rates above that level. Four states—Wisconsin, Nevada, Michigan and Massachusetts—saw SNAP reliance more than triple by 2013. Another 26 saw rates more than double. Michigan and Oregon posted the largest percentage point increases, with rates up 11.7 points in each. Wyoming has seen food stamp use rise the least, with a mere 0.5 percentage point rise, the only one lacking statistical significance.

Source: Washington Post, 3/3/15, SNAP Use Doubles