On the Map

Nutrition Education Funding for Food Stamp Participants Rises Sharply

Between 1992 and 2003, annual Federal spending for nutrition-related classes, healthy recipes, shopping tips, and other education efforts for food stamp recipients increased from $666,000 to just over $190 million. This dramatic growth echoes increasing public recognition of the many benefits of healthy eating behaviors and active lifestyles. USDA reimburses States for 50 percent of allowable food stamp nutrition education expenditures. Nutrition education spending per food stamp participant varies widely across States. In 2003, three States spent over $30 per food stamp participant, while six States spent less than $2. The national average was about $9 per participant. See more State-level data and maps on FSNE funding and FSP participation in the Food Stamp Program briefing room.