Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Food Stamps (SNAP) and Nutrition Programs to Equal $108 Billion, or 72% of the USDA Budget in 2011


For 2011, the USDA's mandatory food stamp (SNAP) and other nutritional assistance programs will total $100 Billion dollars.


When discretionary food assistance programs are added, the number becomes $108 Billion, or 72% of the USDA's annual budget authority. This number is up 30% since 2009, from $82 Billion.


The 2011 budget provides funds for anticipated changes in participation and food cost inflation for the major programs.


The 2011 USDA budget anticipates an increase in nutritional program participation on average of about 2.8 million recipients per month between 2010 and 2011. The 2011 (SNAP) food stamp program is expected to serve 43.3 million people, or about 14% of the population.

Farm and commodity outlays represent 17%, or $25 Billion of the 2011 USDA Budget.