Food Stamp Program: A Demographic Analysis of Participation and Nonparticipation
PEMD-90-8
Published: Jan 19, 1990. Publicly Released: Feb 21, 1990.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO examined the reasons why some households that met the eligibility criteria for the Food Stamp Program did not receive benefits, focusing on the: (1) demographic characteristics associated with Food Stamp participation; and (2) reasons that eligible households gave for their nonparticipation.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture | In view of the fact that outreach efforts may be resumed under the Hunger Prevention Act, the Secretary of Agriculture should direct the Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), to encourage the states to target outreach to those groups that would most benefit from it and to tailor the type of outreach to the needs and characteristics of those specific groups. Effective targeting and tailoring of outreach efforts should maximize the returns on investments in outreach by the states and the federal government. |
Closed – Implemented
FNS has: (1) implemented an annual planning process to encourage outreach; (2) developed further guidance; and (3) conducted studies and demonstrations.
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Topics
BeneficiariesDisadvantaged personsEligibility determinationsFamiliesFood relief programsPopulation statisticsState-administered programsWelfare recipientsParticipation ratesSocial security benefits