Overview of SNAP Recipients

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides food assistance to low-income households. In fiscal year (FY) 2024 (October 2023–September 2024), SNAP served an average of 41.7 million participants per month, representing 12.3% of the U.S. population. This is a slight decline from the COVID-19 peak but remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. Data for FY 2025 (through May 2025) shows similar participation trends, with monthly figures around 41–42 million.
Participation varies by state, influenced by poverty rates, economic conditions, and program policies. For example, New Mexico has the highest rate at 21.2% of its population, while Utah has the lowest at 4.8%.
Demographic Breakdown
SNAP recipients are diverse, with a focus on families, children, older adults, and people with disabilities. Below is a summary of key demographics based on FY 2023 data (the most detailed recent breakdown available), which aligns closely with FY 2024 trends.













































Demographic CategoryPercentage of SNAP ParticipantsKey NotesChildren (under 18)39%Includes 11% under age 5 and 28% school-age (5–17). Children are the largest group, reflecting SNAP's emphasis on family support.Working-Age Adults (18–59)42%Often includes employed individuals in low-wage jobs; 73% of SNAP households have gross income at or below the federal poverty line ($27,750 for a family of four in 2023).Older Adults (60+)19–20%Higher eligibility due to relaxed income rules for seniors; many live alone or in small households.People with Disabilities10%Often overlap with other categories; households with disabilities face fewer work requirements.Households with Children~60% of SNAP households19.1% of all U.S. households with children participate, vs. 9.4% without children.Households with No Children40%Includes 34.4% single-person households, many elderly or disabled.Households Including Child, Elderly, or Disabled Member79%Underscores SNAP's role in supporting vulnerable groups.
Racial and Ethnic Composition
SNAP participation reflects broader U.S. poverty disparities, with higher rates among communities of color. Based on 2023 American Community Survey data integrated with SNAP statistics:

White (non-Hispanic): ~36% of recipients (but lower participation rate relative to population share).
Black (non-Hispanic): ~26% (participation rate ~2x the national average).
Hispanic (any race): ~17% (rising due to food insecurity trends; households with children saw rates double since 2019).
Other/Multiracial/Asian/Native American: ~21%.

These shares vary by state; for instance, Southern states have higher proportions of Black recipients.
Economic and Household Characteristics

Income: 73% of households are at or below the poverty line. Average monthly benefit in FY 2024: $189 per person or $389 per household.
Employment: Over half of SNAP households have at least one working adult, countering myths of widespread non-employment.
Geography: 40%+ of recipients live in the South; urban areas like New York and Los Angeles have high caseloads, but rural poverty drives participation in states like New Mexico.
Gender: Women head ~60% of SNAP households with children, often single-parent families.

Trends and Context
Participation peaked at 47.6 million in 2013 during the Great Recession and surged again to 41.6 million in 2021 amid COVID-19. As of mid-2025, numbers have stabilized around 41–42 million, with potential fluctuations from economic recovery and policy changes. SNAP reduces food insecurity, particularly for children (affecting 39% of recipients) and communities of color, where cuts could exacerbate disparities.
For state-specific data or updates, refer to USDA's SNAP reports.