Economic Information Bulletin No. (EIB-6-6) 6 pp
The Food Assistance Landscape: FY 2008 Annual Report
Federal expenditures for USDA's food assistance programs totaled $60.7 billion in fiscal 2008, 11 percent more than in the previous fiscal year-the largest percentage increase in 16 years. Fiscal 2008 marked the eighth consecutive year in which food assistance expenditures exceeded the previous historical record amount. The five largest food assistance programs in fiscal 2008-the Food Stamp Program, the National School Lunch Program, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the School Breakfast Program-accounted for 95 percent of USDA's expenditures for food assistance. Each of these five major programs expanded during fiscal 2008. This report uses preliminary data from USDA's Food and Nutrition Service to examine trends in the food and nutrition assistance programs through fiscal 2008. It also discusses a recent ERS report that examined some of the issues facing the National School Lunch Program.
Keywords: Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, National School Lunch Program, WIC, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, FANRP
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