Notes that the rate of participation for all eligible individuals fell from 56 percent in 1999 to 53 percent in 2001 and then rose in 2002 by less than one percentage point to 54 percent. For many subgroups, participation followed the overall trend, falling from 1999 to 2001 and then rising in...

Finds that overall, the Food Stamp Program reached fewer eligible individuals in 1997 than in 1996; the participation rate decreased by 5 percentage points to 63 percent. This rate was affected by eligibility restrictions on aliens and able-bodied adults without dependents. For households without...

Examines low-income individuals' dietary knowledge and attitudes, describes their dietary intake, and estimates the relationship between food stamp participation and dietary intake. Finds room for improvement in dietary knowledge and dietary intake. Also notes that food stamp participation is...

Available from the Food and Nutrition Service, (703) 305-2133.

Examines options to develop and implement a national database for tracking participants in public assistance programs, with an eye toward tracking time limits across state boundaries and identifying those receiving benefits in two or more states at the same time.

Shows that over half of all food stamp participants are children; over 80 percent of food stamp benefits go to households with children; and almost 90 percent of food stamp households have income below the poverty line.