FRAC Analysis: State Food Stamp Participation Rates in 2005

Food Stamp Program Is Reaching More Needy People, But States Are Missing Many Eligible People, Especially Working Poor Families

Better Performing States Show How Possible to Bring in More Federal Funds
Pending Farm Bill Changes Could Lead to Improvements

The national average food stamp participation rate in FY 2005 improved to 65 percent, but still left one in three eligible people unserved, according to a new report issued by USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. That national gap in participation, which was greater among working poor families (where more than one in four was missed), masked significant differences among states and regions. According to separate research reviewed by FRAC, lack of awareness that they are eligible, perception of low benefit levels, stigma, cumbersome application process, short certification periods, and inconvenient office hours and locations are among factors that undermine food stamp participation by eligible people. On the federal level, the pending 2007 Farm Bill’s nutrition title could address some of these participation barriers. The bill would increase the $10 monthly minimum benefit that affects many elderly people and is viewed as too low to warrant applying. The bill also would change the name of the program to reflect the modern delivery of benefits via debit card technology. On the state level, streamlining enrollment procedures and making applications more accessible can improve participation.

State-By-State Variations

USDA reports that in FY 2005 food stamp participation rates for eligible persons ranged from just below 50 percent in several states to over 85 percent in several others. Over the period FY 2003 to FY 2005, some states had consistently higher participation rates than other states: Missouri, Tennessee, Oregon, Maine, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Kentucky. Those with consistently lower participation rates were Wyoming, Nevada, California, and Massachusetts.

Regional Rankings Western region states ranked the lowest on participation in FY 2005 and also showed the least progress over FY 2003 performance. Moving up just five percentage points, the West lagged in increases behind the previously low Northeast region, which gained 11 percentage points. The Midwest region continued its record in best participation among working poor households (going from 57 percent in FY 2003 to 65 percent in FY 2005).