Only about half (48 percent) of those eligible in California for food stamps took advantage of them in 2007.
This is the most recent year data is available for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps. Participation in California was second lowest of any state; in Wyoming only 47 percent of those eligible participated. The L.A. Times reported that federal officials said the state needs to do more to improve access to the program, admitting that the state has made improvements.
The L.A. Times reported Jean Daniel, spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service said, “We’re concerned that there are people, particularly in this economy, who need help putting healthy food on the table and aren’t getting that assistance.” The effect of the program is assessed in part by its success in reaching its stated target, “the working poor.”
In 2007 only 66 percent of those eligible throughout the United States participated in the program. The USDA aims to reach 68 percent of Americans eligible for food stamps in 2010.
