The number of SNAP participants has fallen by more than 3 million in the last three years, new USDA data for show — reflecting the broad pattern for SNAP that the Congressional Budget Office and others had forecast. SNAP grew significantly between 2007 and 2011 to meet rising need, as millions more people became eligible due to the Great Recession and lagging recovery; participation among those eligible also rose. That’s consistent with SNAP’s design and purpose. Caseload growth slowed substantially beginning in 2012 as the economy improved. Participation peaked in December 2012 at 47.8 million and fell by roughly 3.2 million between February 2013 and February 2016, to 44.4 million. The declines have been widespread: 43 states had fewer SNAP participants in February 2016 than in February 2013.
Source: Center for Budget & Policy Priorities, 5/10/16, SNAP Caseload
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