The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), originally known as the Food Stamp Program, is designed to enhance food accessibility for low-income working individuals, as well as the disabled and elderly populations within the United States. In 2020, the program underwent significant expansion under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. However, the federal expansions ceased at the end of February, resulting in reduced benefits for households in 32 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This reduction amounts to at least $95 per month, raising concerns about heightened food insecurity and hunger as the average daily benefit per person decreases to $6.10.
As per the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the governing body overseeing the program, a preliminary count reveals that over 42 million Americans, roughly 12.6% of the nation's population, were enrolled in the program as of November 2022. This percentage climbs to nearly 1 in every 5 residents in certain states. The variation in SNAP participation rates can be attributed to a combination of contrasting eligibility criteria and the percentage of eligible individuals who actually enroll. Not all individuals who are eligible to join the SNAP program does so. For instance, able-bodied individuals without dependents are typically limited to receiving three months of SNAP benefits within a three-year period. Additionally, numerous recipients are required to meet specific work-related conditions, which some government legislators aim to tighten further.
According to USAFacts, SNAP users received an average monthly assistance of approximately $233 in 2022, which represents a significant increase of nearly 80% compared to the 2019 figure of $130. This rise in benefits can be attributed to the expansion of assistance programs as part of pandemic aid efforts, as well as the modifications made to SNAP benefits outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill. The changes implemented in 2021 aimed to enhance average benefits per person, enabling recipients to have improved access to healthier food options.
Income inequality is a prominent dividing factor in the United States, with contrasting segments of wealthy individuals coexisting alongside pockets of poverty-stricken populations across the nation. According to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau, the overall poverty rate stood at 11.6% in 2021, with approximately 38 million individuals living below the poverty line, which is set at $27,479 for a family of four (see our list of the 25 states with the lowest poverty rates). Notably, Native Americans exhibited the highest poverty rate among all communities in the country, standing at 24.9%. African Americans followed closely with a poverty rate of 19.5%, while Hispanics experienced a poverty rate of 17.1%. Many Americans, particularly those with lower incomes, are feeling the burden of financial difficulties and contemplating moving to states with a lower cost of living. For those interested in finding affordable states to live in, 15 Cheapest States to Live In provides more information.
However, Numerous corporations have taken steps to foster economic growth and address inequalities. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), for instance, has initiated TechSpark, a program aimed at equipping rural communities in all 50 states of the United States with digital skills and access to technology. Regional financial services company Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE:SNV) is another firm that gives back to the community with its locally-focused outreach program, Here Matters. The outreach program focuses Synovus’ volunteer and financial contributions in three areas: education, needs-based opportunities, and health and wellness. Additionally, tech giant Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) introduced its Employee Giving Program in 2011, which has successfully raised over $880 million for 44,000 organizations in the past 12 years. This program serves as a means to connect Apple employees with individuals and communities facing challenging circumstances, including poverty, depression, and domestic abuse, providing them with the necessary support and assistance.
SNAP statistics by state: 15 States That Pay The Most in Food Stamps
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Our Methodology
To determine the states that pay the most in food stamps, we used the percentage of residents that participated in SNAP in each state. To provide perspective and an accurate percentage, the number of SNAP participants per state was divided by state population estimates from the U.S. Census fiscal 2022 data. The following states that were covered in this article are sorted in ascending order of their rate of SNAP participants.
SNAP statistics by state: 15 States That Pay The Most in Food Stamps
15. Maine
Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 12.1%
Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 161,800
Situated in the northeastern region of the United States, Maine is recognized for its rugged coastline, rich maritime heritage, and picturesque natural landscapes, such as the granite and spruce islands found in Acadia National Park. In terms of employment, the Healthcare and Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services sectors played a significant role in Maine in 2022, collectively accounting for 45.3% of the state's employment. To be eligible for the SNAP program, a family of 4 in Maine must make no more than $55,500 annually.
14. Kentucky
Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 12.2%
Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 541,600
Kentucky, officially known as the Commonwealth of Kentucky, resides in the Southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by the Ohio River to the north and the Appalachian Mountains to the east. In terms of happiness rankings, Kentucky remains one of the least happiest states, positioned at 47th and trailing behind Arkansas, Louisiana, and West Virginia. Kentucky demonstrated lower rates in various factors including adult depression, adequate sleep, sports participation, and volunteerism compared to other states across the country. In 2019-2021, the Census Bureau estimates 14.6% of Kentuckians lived below the poverty line.
13. Ohio
Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 12.3%
Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 1,491,300
Ohio, located in the Midwestern United States, is the 34th-largest state in terms of land area among the 50 U.S. states. Boasting a population of approximately 11.8 million, Ohio ranks as the seventh-most populous state and the tenth-most densely populated state in the country. Almost 1.5 million residents within the state were receiving food stamp benefits in fiscal year 2022.
12. Florida
Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 12.9%
Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 2,847,100
Positioned as the southeasternmost state in the United States, Florida is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. In 2022, Florida's GDP surged to $1 trillion, marking a 2.5% increase from the previous year. Over the span of five years leading up to 2022, the state's GDP experienced a steady annualized growth rate of 2.2%. However, as per the United States Federal Reserve, Florida's unemployment rate in December 2022 stood at 2.5%, while the state's poverty rate came in at 13.1%.
11. Mississippi
Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 13.8%
Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 413,700
Mississippi, renowned as the birthplace of American blues music and a hub for talented musicians, has grappled with persistent challenges such as high poverty rates, lower-paying jobs compared to the national average, racial divisions, lack of trust, and limited government services, particularly in the field of education. The state's median household income of $46,511 falls significantly below the national average, trailing by nearly $20,000. Furthermore, with over 18% of its population living in poverty, and approximately 413,700 residents participating in SNAP programs, Mississippi ranks as one of the states that pay the most in food stamps.
10. Michigan
Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 13.9%
Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 1,349,300
Located in the upper Midwestern region of the United States, Michigan is a state in the Great Lakes area. With a population of approximately 10.12 million and a land area spanning nearly 97,000 square miles, Michigan ranks as the 10th-most populous state and the 11th-largest state in terms of land area. It is also the largest state by area east of the Mississippi River. Ranked among the top 10 states that pay the most in food stamps, roughly 1.35 million residents of Michigan reportedly receive SNAP benefits.
9. New York
Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 14.4%
Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 2,839,300
If New York were considered a separate country among all U.S. states, it would rank as the 11th largest country globally, surpassing the sizes of Russia, Australia, and Brazil. With a remarkable GDP, New York stands as the third largest state in the U.S. in terms of economic output. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, New York's GDP exceeded $1.9 trillion in 2021. However, poverty rates in New York have consistently exceeded the national average since 2014. As of 2021, the latest year with available data, nearly 2.7 million individuals in New York, accounting for 13.9% of the population, lived in poverty. Notably, 17 counties within the state, including its largest cities, experience poverty rates surpassing 13%.
8. Pennsylvania
Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 14.6%
Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 1,845,600
Pennsylvania, officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a state spanning the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions of the United States. In 2022, Pennsylvania's GDP reached $722.4 billion, representing an increase of 0.8% from 2021. Pennsylvania's GDP has grown at an annualized rate of 1.2% over the five years to 2022. Despite an economical surge, Pennsylvania suffers from serious poverty issues, with about 14.6% of the state's residents participating in the SNAP program.
7. Rhode Island
Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 14.8%
Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 139,400
Rhode Island is most famous for its abundant shoreline, state parks, and production of jewelry and silverware, as well as its New England charm. Part of the Northeast region of the United States, it's the smallest state by area with a total size of 1,214 square miles. Many Rhode Island households struggle to put food on the table. The most recent data shows that 11.4% of the state population lived below the poverty line. SNAP participants in Rhode Island received $244.22 million in benefits in 2019, $278.99 million in 2020, $378.69 million in 2021, and $425.23 million in 2022 (including temporary pandemic relief in 2020 through 2022).
6. Alabama
Percentage of residents receiving food stamps: 15.4%
Number of Residents that participated in SNAP: 761,100
Alabama, a state renowned for its vibrant history, diverse culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm southern hospitality, holds a significant place in the annals of the American Civil Rights Movement. Alabama’s median household income is at a peak of $53,958. However, there exists a notable disparity between Alabama's median household income and the national median, with a gap of $13,382. At the county level, seven out of Alabama's 67 counties face a poverty rate surpassing 25%. Thus, it's no surprise that Alabama ranks high among the states that pay the most in food stamps.
