The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)--the former food stamp program--is the nation's most important anti-hunger program and a vital lifeline for millions of people, including adults ages 50 and older at risk for food insecurity (a consistent lack of food due to inadequate financial resources). In 2018, 9.8 million adults ages 50 and older were food-insecure, and SNAP provides financial resources for many to buy the food they need. Because SNAP is designed to respond to the needs of low-income populations, it is a particularly important program during the current COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic downturn, which has already led to more people qualifying for the program due to reduced or lost incomes. The program is linked to lower rates of food insecurity and improved health outcomes, including reduced hospitalizations among low-income older adults. This Fact Sheet describes selected characteristics of SNAP households that include adults ages 50 and older and the minimum and maximum benefits that these households receive.5 State-level data are included in the appendices.
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