Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation, unemployment, and poverty rates, 1980–2023

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) caseloads and benefits are strongly associated with economic conditions. SNAP is one of the United States’ primary countercyclical programs, expanding during economic downturns and contracting during periods of economic growth. The percent of the population receiving SNAP benefits generally tracks the unemployment rate and poverty rate, which typically increase during and following periods of economic recession. However, economic recovery may take longer to be felt by low-wage workers who are more likely to receive SNAP benefits. This can result in a lagged reduction in SNAP participation relative to reductions in unemployment.

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