Mises Institute Why Food Stamp Spending Is Out of Control
Nov 4, 2025
Explore the soaring costs of food stamp spending and learn how industry lobbyists influence policies to keep those funds flowing. Discover the surprising demographics of recipients and how factors like race and immigration status impact participation rates. Uncover the economic implications of SNAP on market prices and who stands to gain the most. Plus, hear about industry pushback against proposed restrictions on eligible purchases and the convoluted relationship between welfare and agriculture in modern politics.
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SNAP Is Big And Growing Rapidly
- SNAP spending is large and rising, reaching about $106 billion for the year ending Sept 30, 2025.
- Inflation-adjusted SNAP spending roughly doubled since 2008 while recipient counts rose less rapidly, raising per-recipient outlays.
Per-Recipient Benefits Have Increased
- Since 2008 SNAP spending per recipient rose about 30% in real terms, from $1,847 to roughly $2,393 by 2024.
- The largest increases occurred around the early Obama years and during 2020 stimulus-era policies.
Huge State Differences In SNAP Use
- SNAP participation varies widely by state, with New Mexico over 21% and Utah under 5%.
- State policy choices and waivers explain some of this variation in generosity and take-up.
