September 27, 2000

A new USDA report shows dramatic differences by state in food stamp participation. A state by state analysis reveals participation rates ranged from a low of 45% of those eligible in Nevada to a high of 92% in West Virginia. The report covers September 1994 to September 1997. During that period, food stamp participation nationally declined from 71% to 62% of those eligible.

The report found participation rates fell in every region of the country and in all but five states. The significant decline in food stamp participation is due, in part, to the robust U.S. economy and changes resulting from the1996 Welfare Reform law. However, food stamp participation has declined three times faster than poverty, indicating that many people who are eligible for food stamps - including working low-income families - may be living without adequate food or nutrition.

Clinton Administration efforts to provide nutritional assistance to needy Americans include launching a public education initiative in 1999 to inform individuals about food stamp eligibility; establishing a toll-free food stamp information line; awarding welfare-to-work performance bonuses to states who are successful in reaching needy working families; making administrative changes in the Food Stamp Program to assist working families in making the transition from welfare to work; expanding the after school snack program; and introducing a pilot program for universal school breakfast.