USDA: Food aid participation varies

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Participation in government food assistance programs varies widely among states, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday.

In its report, the USDA said 66 percent of those eligible nationally for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or SNAP received benefits in 2007, the most recent data available. The program replaces food stamps.

In some states, participation is less than half, with the lowest in 2007 at 47 percent. The high is 100 percent.

Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee and West Virginia all had high rates of participation in 2005, 2006 and 2007, the report said.

"Programs like SNAP are essential to good nutrition and well-being, especially in tough economic times, and participation not only helps these households with food at home, but also provides their children, through direct certification, with access to nutritious meals at school," said Kevin Concannon, undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services.