This report – the latest in an annual series – presents estimates of the percentage of eligible persons, by state, who participated in SNAP during an average month in FY 2008 and in the two previous fiscal years.

The purpose of this study is to identify whether spending more money on food leads SNAP and other low-income households to purchase and consume more nutritious foods. Specifically, the study analyzed the percentage and absolute change in diet-quality measures that are associated with a 10-percent increase in food expenditures for SNAP participants and income-eligible nonparticipants. The study also seeks to identify other factors or household characteristics that may affect this relationship.

This report is the latest in a series on SNAP participation rates. Estimates are based on the March 2009 Current Population Survey and program administrative data for FY 2008.

This study assesses the potential impacts of establishing SNAP in Puerto Rico.