How SNAP Brings Long-Lasting Benefits
Executive Summary
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a critical lifeline for approximately 40 million low-income people across the United States. SNAP has a long and successful history of providing temporary help that reduces food insecurity, lifts people out of poverty, helps families achieve self-sufficiency, and reduces health disparities. Nearly two-thirds of SNAP participants are children, older adults, and people with disabilities. Cuts to the program would have far-reaching ramifications and may disproportionately affect groups like children of color and children in rural communities. Any reforms to SNAP should be driven by analysis of impacts on access, equity, cost, and program outcomes including food security, financial security, and diet quality.