Trends in Food Stamp Program Participation Rates: 1999 to 2002.

Notes that the rate of participation for all eligible individuals fell from 56 percent in 1999 to 53 percent in 2001 and then rose in 2002 by less than one percentage point to 54 percent. For many subgroups, participation followed the overall trend, falling from 1999 to 2001 and then rising in 2002. However, the participation rate for children fluctuated around 70 percent for the entire period; the rate for elderly individuals fell by four points from 1999 to 2002; and the rate for noncitizens rose by 9 points in 2000 and then fell 12 points from 2000 to 2002.