Economic Information Bulletin No. (EIB-6-2) 6 pp

February 2006

Food Assistance Landscape, March 2006

One in five Americans participates in at least one of USDA's food and nutrition assistance programs during the year. In fiscal 2005, an estimated 55 percent of USDA's budget supported the programs that provide children and low-income people with access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education. The Economic Research Service (ERS) is responsible for conducting studies and evaluations of USDA's food assistance programs. The Food Assistance Landscape March 2006 uses preliminary data from USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to examine trends in the food assistance programs through fiscal 2005 (October 1, 2004 to September 30, 2005). It also discusses a recent ERS study that examined patterns of entry into and exit from the Food Stamp Program.

Keywords: Food Assistance and Nutrition Research Program, FANRP, Food Stamp Program, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, WIC, food assistance programs

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