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      SNAP Boosts the Economy, Reduces Hunger, and Improves Health

      Brief Apr-08-2025 | Robert Wood Johnson Foundation | 1-min read
      1. Insights
      2. Our Research
      3. SNAP Boosts the Economy, Reduces Hunger, and Improves Health
      Download brief
      A mother shops for produce with her son.

      Every community in every ZIP code should be a place where people can live their healthiest lives, and that starts by ensuring that no one in this country—especially our kids and grandkids—goes hungry. 

       

      The Issue

      The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is the nation’s largest food assistance program. SNAP improves children’s health and academic performance, lifts children and families out of poverty, boosts the economy, and helps stabilize communities.

      However, Congress is considering massive cuts to SNAP which would put the health and wellbeing of children, families, and communities at risk.

       

      Key Findings


      • 1 in 5 U.S. children receive SNAP benefits.
      • In 99% of U.S. counties, SNAP benefits do not cover the cost of a modestly priced meal. 
      • GDP increases by $1.5 billion when an additional $1 billion is invested in SNAP during economic downturns.

       

      Recommendations

      Administration

      • Maintain the federal government’s responsibility to fund 100% of current SNAP benefit levels.

       

      Work Requirements 

      • Permanently eliminate work requirements for SNAP participants. 
      • Expand voluntary SNAP job training programs. 

       

      Benefits 

      • Increase SNAP benefits to cover the cost of a modestly priced meal in every U.S. county.
      • Expand programs that incentivize SNAP participants to purchase healthier foods, such as GusNIP. 

       

      Eligibility 

      • Streamline eligibility and enrollment processes and focus enrollment efforts on communities with low participation, including immigrants, people of color, and rural residents.
      • Broaden SNAP eligibility to cover more college students, unemployed adults without children, and lawfully residing immigrants. 
      • Eliminate the lifetime ban on SNAP participation for people with felony drug convictions.

       

      Conclusion

      SNAP is one of the most effective tools we have to combat poverty and build stronger, more resilient communities. By providing families with the resources they need to afford nutritious food, SNAP ensures that struggling households can get back on their feet. 

      Congress’ plan to cut SNAP would jeopardize the health, education, and future of millions of children and families. The cuts would have widespread effects on communities–deepening inequality and weakening the foundation of local economies. Expanding on recent improvements to SNAP, rather than rolling them back, would help families thrive.

      Related Content

      Library
      A Muslim mother and daughter grocery shop.

      Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

      SNAP provides short-term financial support to individuals and families furthest from economic opportunity who struggle to afford food.

      1-min read

      Brief
      Work requirements graphic.

      Work Requirements Threaten Health and Increase Costs

      Decades of research show that work requirements do not move people off assistance and into self-sufficiency; instead they drive people and families—already struggling to make ends meet—deeper into poverty.

      2-min read

      Healthcare Coverage and Access Policy and Law

      Congressional District Health Dashboard

      Food Insecurity by Congressional District

      Urban Institute

      How Would SNAP Benefit Cuts Affect Your Community?

      Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

      Imposing SNAP Food Benefit Costs on States Would Worsen Hunger, Hurt States’ Ability to Meet Residents’ Needs

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