Federal Food Stamp Program spent record $80.4 billion in 2012

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
1/7/2013
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Nearly $106 billion was spent on food assistance in 2012 alone

The U.S. government spent a record $80.4 billion on food stamps during fiscal year 2012, or as it is known, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a $2.7 billion increase from fiscal year 2011. The fiscal year 2012 ran from Oct. 1, 2011 through Sept. 30, 2012.)

Food stamps can be used to purchase any pre-packaged edible foods, regardless of nutritional value (e.g. soft drinks and confections).

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to the Monthly Treasury Statement that summarizes the receipts and outlays of the federal government, $80,401,000,000 went towards SNAP during fiscal year 2012, which was a $2.7 billion increase from $77,637,000,000 in fiscal year 2011.

The SNAP program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA. The department also runs other food assistance programs under the auspices of the Food and Nutrition Service Agency.

Nearly $106 billion was spent on food assistance in 2012, with $18.3 billion that went to "Child Nutrition Programs."

It's an ongoing issue with the national budget: Total federal spending on SNAP has increased each year during President Obama's first term in office. In 2009, when SNAP was still known as the "Food Stamp" program, the government spent approximately $55.6 billion.

By fiscal year 2010, SNAP spending increased to nearly $70.5 billion. Between fiscal year 2009 and 2012, SNAP's budget jumped by approximately $24.8 billion.

According to an April 2012 report from the Congressional Budget Office, SNAP outlays increased by $42 billion between 2007 and 2011, and the number of SNAP participants increased by 70 percent.

During fiscal year 2012, the U.S. government ran a $1.089 trillion dollar deficit, down from nearly $1.3 trillion in fiscal year 2011.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp program, provides financial assistance for purchasing food to low- and no-income people living in the U.S. It is a federal aid program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, though benefits are distributed by individual U.S. states. They can be used to purchase any pre-packaged edible foods, regardless of nutritional value (e.g. soft drinks and confections). Hot foods (such as those found in a supermarket deli) are ineligible, as well as items in fast food restaurants and similar retail settings.

� 2013, Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.

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Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Keywords: Food Stamps, fiscal year, government cost, SNAP, food

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1 - 3 of 3 Comments

vance
4 months ago
This is one of the biggest scams on the American people. BILLIONS of dollars from Food Stamps go to 'Gambling Casino's", "Liquor Stores", and "Strip Clubs". This program should be scrapped.
David
4 months ago
I agree with Carmen and pray for her family to be fed.
Unfortunately the few always ruin it for the many. I am talking about "some" people on food stamps that will buy the soda mentioned in the article. I have been in line at our grocery store on multiple occasions witnessing the person in front of me buying filet mignon or strip steaks using their food stamps. It bothers me because I work full time and rarely afford nice steaks and they will "purchase" $100 worth in one trip. Either they don't need the stamps for all of their grocery items or they recieve quite a large sum each month to spend.
carmen koch
4 months ago
You asked for a comment: I am responding direct and with charity. Thank you for your website and articles. It is great Catholic news and other. The government has to ask itself...why are so many people on food stamps???? Because so many people are out of work or want ins for their family but dont make enough. I know at least 10 people including my son who is deaf are out of work and my son has worked his whole life, but out of work for 4 months now. He was a dorm parent basketball coach lifeguard teacher at the deaf school in Missouri. But was promised a job but it fell through and is looking for a job 4 months now in Texas. There are 50 to 100 to 200 people applying for the same job. His wife recieves some social security for herself she is deaf. . but that doesnt pay the mortgage or put food on the table for their children. There are millions a day being spent on a war that shouldnt still be going on. I say the food stamps deficit is up due to people being out of work and desperate. Most people want to work. Some are moochers...but I am sitting here watching family members loose their businesses, their homes, its a shame.If China wasnt making so much product for America, America would be making it for ourselves..more jobs...When you mentioned they can use it on anything such as soda, you are correct but the majority of the people I know who recieve food stamps dont cheat, but need serious help for meat bread milk etc. and use their food stamps for that. I am sorry to say by you saying that in this article....making a point that people can buy soda ect. You insult the true hard working American who has to resort to food stamps and then blaming the deficit on them....No its an economy with few jobs and a president who non Christian non Life is very rich sitting in Washington who doesnt seem to really care about the people out of work. This deficit is the governments fault. I come from a family including my deaf son who were not on welfare or foodstamps, because we WORK.. but now I am watching them have to resort to this, which hard for the working man, who is now out of work and is trying with no avail to get a job.
Maybe some of the rich or baseball players who make millions could scratch some money up together to help their brothers and sisters who are hungry. I am sad that this article seems to bash the poor on food stamps but it does. Thanks for the update on Catholic news... Some of the other new reports less Catholic or Christian orientated are not presented in their true light......keep up the GOOD work..and God bless you, JMJ Carmen

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