SNAP FALLS FOR 3 YEARS

The number of SNAP recipients has fallen by 2.6 million people since peaking in December 2012, according to new USDA data. SNAP grew significantly between 2007 and 2011 due to the recession and lagging recovery; participation among those eligible also rose.  But SNAP caseload growth slowed substantially in fiscal years 2012 and 2013, and then, after peaking in December 2012, fell by about 2% in 2014 and another 2% in 2015. In more than 40 states, the number of SNAP participants was lower in December 2015 than in December 2012. Unfortunately, Connecticut was not one of these—caseloads here grew slightly between 2012 and 2015.

Source: Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 3/3/16, SNAP Caseloads