According to a recent White House report, 5 million Americans would have fallen into poverty if not for the food assistance they received through SNAP, a number that includes 2.2 million children. SNAP reduced child poverty by 3.0 percentage points in 2012 – the largest child poverty impact of any safety net program other than refundable tax credits. In addition to helping American families during tough economic times, SNAP provides a fiscal boost to the economy during economic downturns. The Congressional Budget Office rated an increase in SNAP benefits as one of the two most cost- effective methods for boosting growth and jobs when the economy is weak. And every new SNAP dollar generates up to $1.80 in economic activity for the over 230,000 retail food outlets that participate in the program.
Source: Executive Office of the President, 11/26/13, SNAP Benefits
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