Trends in Food Stamp Program Participation Rates: 2000 to 2006.

The Food Stamp Program (FSP) helps low-income individuals purchase food. The program’s ability to reach its target population—reflected in the percentage of people eligible for benefits who actually participate—is an important performance measure. This report is the latest in a series on FSP participation rates. Estimates are based on the March 2007 Current Population Survey and FSP administrative data for fiscal year 2006. On average, 37 million individuals were eligible for FSP benefits each month in 2006, and 25 million received them. The national participation rate among individuals increased by two percentage points between 2005 and 2006.