Fact Check: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves approximately 40 million people.

Fact Check: "The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves approximately 40 million people."

What We Know

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest nutrition assistance program in the United States, providing food benefits to low-income families. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, SNAP served an average of 42.1 million participants per month in fiscal year 2023. This figure indicates that the program consistently serves more than 40 million individuals, making the claim accurate. Additionally, SNAP accounted for approximately 68 percent of USDA nutrition assistance spending, totaling $112.8 billion in federal spending for that year.

Analysis

The claim that SNAP serves approximately 40 million people is substantiated by reliable data from the USDA, which is a federal agency responsible for overseeing the program. The average monthly participation figure of 42.1 million participants directly supports the claim. Furthermore, the USDA's reports are based on comprehensive data collection and analysis, making them a credible source of information regarding SNAP's reach and impact.

While some sources, such as NPR, mention that "more than 40 million people in the U.S. receive food assistance," they do not provide specific numbers or context, which could lead to ambiguity. However, the USDA's statistics provide a clear and precise figure, reinforcing the claim's accuracy.

Other sources, like Wikipedia, also reference historical participation numbers, indicating that SNAP has consistently served around 40 million or more individuals in recent years. This historical context adds weight to the current figures reported by the USDA.

In summary, the evidence from the USDA is robust, and the agency's data is widely regarded as authoritative. The consistency of participation numbers over time further supports the reliability of the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves approximately 40 million people" is accurate based on the USDA's reported average of 42.1 million participants per month in fiscal year 2023. The data is derived from a credible federal source and reflects the program's significant role in providing nutrition assistance to low-income households.

Sources

1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Key Statistics
2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Overview
3. Census Bureau - SNAP Eligibility and Access
4. NPR - A family relying on SNAP is facing cuts and food restrictions
5. Wikipedia - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
6. CBPP - A Closer Look at Who Benefits from SNAP