Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that help millions of families put food on the table are set to expire November 1st unless Congress and the President act now. This is urgent. Families across America can’t afford even a brief lapse in support. For many, SNAP means the difference between putting dinner on the table or going hungry.
The following breakdown highlights key demographics of those who receive SNAP benefits:
- In April 2023, 41.9 million people (22.2 million households) received SNAP benefits - 12.5% of the total population.
- More than 36% of recipients are children (0-17)
- Another 11.5% are seniors, over 65
- Non-Hispanic whites make up 39.8% of recipients, the highest percentage by race/ethnicity
- Native-born Americans account for nearly 88% of all recipients, while foreign-born, legal immigrants make up just over 12%
(Source: Pew Research Center)
This isn’t a partisan issue — even Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) recently wrote in The New York Times that protecting SNAP is a bipartisan priority. Ensuring families have access to food should never be up for debate.
Congress and the President must act immediately to extend SNAP funding and protect those most in need.
