This article reviews the effectiveness of the food stamp program by assessing the extent to which the program can reach its target population. In 2004, 38 million people were eligible for food stamps in any given month, and only 23 million participated in the program. Participation rates were higher among lower income families and among families on TANF and SSI, following past trends.

This issue brief outlines the demographics of the 45,000 low-income households receiving food stamps in Washington, D.C. Additionally, the Urban Institute reviewed the average distance between the clients' households to the closest supermarket, concluding that the most affordable options may no be the most accessible to low-income neighborhoods.

The Boston Medical Center conducted this research to identify if the nutritional needs of low-income families are being met by food stamps. In Boston, low-income families on food stamps are unable to afford the variety of foods required for a healthy, balanced diet.

This paper considers four programs--Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), food stamps, child care subsidies, and the earned income tax credit (EITC)--that form the core work support system in the United States. It highlights differences in program funding, eligibility, and delivery systems. It describes trends in participation and synthesizes research knowledge about the observed differences in program participation. The paper concludes that these programs do not form an effective system. Each program operates under different rules that many low-income working families find daunting. A few recent state innovations offer potential for improving the system.

Low-income families have a variety of income supports available to help encourage stable employment and increase self sufficiency, including TANF, SCHIP, Medicaid, food stamps, and childcare subsidies. This article reviews a streamlined strategy to help families access necessary income supports. By integrating service delivery through call centers and the Internet, States can implement a comprehensive approach to better serve families.

This research from MDRC reviews caseload dynamics for food stamps in Cuyahoga County, OH; Los Angeles, CA; Miami-Dade County, FL; and Philadelphia, PA. The data reviewed caseload data from 1993 to 2001, and found that across all sites, the food stamp caseload declined. Additionally, it was found that most recipients receive food stamps for at least seven months.

This report from the Center for the Study of Social Policy reviews State policies that support families, children and low-wage workers while also contributing to states’ economic stability.

Family formation and healthy marriages have been key to welfare reform to improve outcomes for low-income families. Mathematica, contracting with ASPE, conducted this study of food stamp and TANF eligibility and participation among 2-parent families, as compared with single parent families and cohabiting couples. Among the findings, low-income married families were found to have lower participation rates than single parent households.

On April 7-8, 2004, the Welfare Peer Technical Assistance Network provided support resources for two members of the Michigan Family Independence Agency (FIA) to attend the USDA Food and Nutrition Service meeting entitled "Using Technology to Improve Administration of the Food Stamp Program" in Olympia, Washington. Please reference the below link to read the final report.

This report details the presentations given and questions, answers, and concerns articulated by members of the ACF Region V States at the June State Human Services Officials Meeting.