University of New Hampshire researchers say the program known for years as food stamps has declined slightly in recent years, but remains an important support for people at risk for food insecurity and hunger.
The research by the Carsey School of Public Policy shows the decline from 13.6 percent to 13.5 percent between 2012 and 2013 in the use of Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. This was the first decrease since the recession began in 2007.
The research also showed the share of SNAP households containing one or more workers increased moderately, to 77.6 percent; rates of SNAP receipt remain especially high among single parents and non-white households; and SNAP receipt has become increasingly common among households with incomes just above the poverty line.