Census data on SNAP eligibility

Mississippi had the nation’s highest rate of individuals eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in 2020 at nearly 33%, according to a U.S. Census Bureau data visualization. The recently redesigned visualization, which shows SNAP benefits in 1,157 counties in 23 states, aims to increase understanding of access to SNAP and inform future outreach. The interactive tool uses data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) and state administrative records to capture the age, race/ethnicity, household composition, presence of children, internet access and veteran and health insurance status of SNAP recipients and potential candidates. The visualization features new estimates of 2020 SNAP eligibility and access. Eligibility was lowest (13.1%) in Wyoming and highest (32.1%) in Mississippi. Eligibility rate in the state varied among demographic subgroups (53.1% of non-Hispanic Blacks and 19.5% of non-Hispanic White populations). 26.9% in households with no children were eligible for SNAP benefits in 2020. In contrast, 33.9% in households with school-age children only; 41.8% in households with preschool-age children only; and 45.0% in households with both preschool- and school-age children were eligible. Eligibility varied at the county level, too. Hinds and Rankin are neighboring counties. But the SNAP eligibility rate in Hinds County (39.3%) is double the eligibility rate of Rankin County (19.3%). (Census Bureau 01/20/23) Nearly One in Three Mississippians Eligible for Food Assistance (census.gov)