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Use of SNAP/Food Stamps on the rise in Texas
Thousands of Texans are struggling during current tough economic times and are turning to SNAP/Food Stamps in record numbers. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP/Food Stamp participation increased in Texas from 2,683,648 to 2,952,749 from August 2008 to September 2008. As times grow tighter for Texas families, it is likely that participation will continue to increase in the coming months.
“Texas ranks 47th in the nation in the number of food secure families, meaning we have more people wondering where their next meal will come from than almost any other state," said Celia Hagert, senior policy analyst at the Texas Center for Public Policy Priorities. "That’s roughly 1.3 million households, and that number will undoubtedly swell as the full effects of the recession hit Texas families. We need to shore up the Food Stamp Program to keep more families from going hungry during this crisis.”
The rapid rise in SNAP/Food Stamp participation should serve as a wakeup call to Texas and national leaders – far too many Texas families are struggling to put food on the table, and the problem requires immediate attention. With more than 36.2 million people nationwide struggling against hunger, there is an undeniable need to Congress to take immediate action by quickly passing an increase in benefits as part of economic recovery legislation, as well as more administrative funds to help states cope with growing caseloads.
Nationally, SNAP/Food Stamp participation reached a record high in September, with more than 31.5 million people receiving the benefit. The increase was driven by economic factors, as well as by the impact of hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Previously, participation peaked in November 2005, serving more than 29.85 million in the wake of three hurricanes.
Commenting on the September 2008 data, according to Jim Weill, president of the Food Research and Action Center: “The strength of SNAP/Food Stamps lies in its ability to respond quickly to meet increased need, whether due to economic downturns or natural disasters. Caseloads will continue to rise as more people grapple with rising unemployment, falling wages, rising food costs, and growing hunger. With this ongoing growth in participation, it is critical that Congress quickly passes a boost in benefits as part of economic recovery legislation, as well as more administrative funds to help states cope with growing caseloads.
“Not only will this increase help the most vulnerable citizens, but it is the most effective economic stimulus, dollar-for-dollar. Every dollar spent in federal SNAP/Food Stamps generates nearly double that in the local economy.”
The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) is the leading national nonprofit organization working to improve public policies and public-private partnerships to eradicate hunger and undernutrition in the United States.
“Texas ranks 47th in the nation in the number of food secure families, meaning we have more people wondering where their next meal will come from than almost any other state," said Celia Hagert, senior policy analyst at the Texas Center for Public Policy Priorities. "That’s roughly 1.3 million households, and that number will undoubtedly swell as the full effects of the recession hit Texas families. We need to shore up the Food Stamp Program to keep more families from going hungry during this crisis.”
The rapid rise in SNAP/Food Stamp participation should serve as a wakeup call to Texas and national leaders – far too many Texas families are struggling to put food on the table, and the problem requires immediate attention. With more than 36.2 million people nationwide struggling against hunger, there is an undeniable need to Congress to take immediate action by quickly passing an increase in benefits as part of economic recovery legislation, as well as more administrative funds to help states cope with growing caseloads.
Nationally, SNAP/Food Stamp participation reached a record high in September, with more than 31.5 million people receiving the benefit. The increase was driven by economic factors, as well as by the impact of hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Previously, participation peaked in November 2005, serving more than 29.85 million in the wake of three hurricanes.
Commenting on the September 2008 data, according to Jim Weill, president of the Food Research and Action Center: “The strength of SNAP/Food Stamps lies in its ability to respond quickly to meet increased need, whether due to economic downturns or natural disasters. Caseloads will continue to rise as more people grapple with rising unemployment, falling wages, rising food costs, and growing hunger. With this ongoing growth in participation, it is critical that Congress quickly passes a boost in benefits as part of economic recovery legislation, as well as more administrative funds to help states cope with growing caseloads.
“Not only will this increase help the most vulnerable citizens, but it is the most effective economic stimulus, dollar-for-dollar. Every dollar spent in federal SNAP/Food Stamps generates nearly double that in the local economy.”
The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) is the leading national nonprofit organization working to improve public policies and public-private partnerships to eradicate hunger and undernutrition in the United States.
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