SNAP AMONG STRONGEST PUBLIC BENEFITS DURING RECESSION

Millions of children lived in families experiencing unemployment and economic hardship during the recession. Public benefits supporting these children and their families grew during the recession. Two entitlement programs, SNAP and unemployment insurance (UI) were particularly responsive. The number of children in families receiving SNAP rose substantially, reaching nearly 15 million in 2010 and remaining at similar levels in 2011 and 2012. While UI benefits paid more than SNAP benefits, fewer households received UI, especially low-income families who turned to nutrition assistance programs, including SNAP, school meals, and WIC. For example, 58% of children whose parents were unemployed lived in families receiving SNAP benefits and even more (65%) lived in families receiving school lunches.

 

Source:  Urban Institute, 5/8/14, SNAP in the Recession