Food and Nutrition Programs

The nutrition programs of the federal government include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly called the Food Stamp program) and various child nutrition programs (including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC). CBO projects spending for those programs under current law, estimates the budgetary cost of legislative proposals, and analyzes policy options and issues related to the programs.

Report
How Changes to the Thrifty Food Plan Have Affected Labor Force Participation
October 17, 2024
In response to a request from House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, CBO assesses the effect of an increase in the value of the Thrifty Food Plan on labor force participation.
Report
Options for Reducing the Deficit, 2023 to 2032--Volume II: Smaller Reductions
December 7, 2022
CBO issues a volume that contains short descriptions of 59 policy options that would each reduce the federal budget deficit by less than $300 billion over the next 10 years.
Report
Work Requirements and Work Supports for Recipients of Means-Tested Benefits
June 9, 2022
CBO analyzes the effects of work requirements and work supports on employment and income of participants in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and Medicaid.
Report
A Review of CBO’s Estimate of the Effects of the Recovery Act on SNAP
December 20, 2018
In 2009, the Recovery Act boosted monthly benefits for SNAP. The resulting increase in spending on SNAP benefits from 2009 to 2013 was greater than CBO had estimated. This report discusses that underestimate and the reasons for it.
Report
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
April 19, 2012
One in seven U.S. residents received benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 2011, at a total cost of $78 billion. Spending on SNAP benefits more than doubled between 2007 and 2011.