This report describes the characteristics of SNAP households and participants nationwide in fiscal year 2011 (October 2010 through September 2011). It also presents an overview of SNAP eligibility requirements and benefit levels in fiscal year 2011.

As the time for reauthorization of SNAP again approaches, it is useful to take stock of its accomplishments, identify those features that have contributed to its success, and look for new opportunities to strengthen operations to achieve program goals more fully. To that end, this is a summary of past research on program operations and outcomes.

This report, the first of three, addresses the first objective of the study, which is to explore the characteristics and experiences of WIC participants.