Food Security Publications

Low-income families in South Dakota are struggling. They are struggling to find jobs that pay a living wage. They are struggling to pay rising utility, housing, and health care costs. And, they are struggling with the basic task of putting food on their tables. This study, the first of its kind, examines the food security of 403 poor and very poor South Dakota families. The participating households, most of whom are clients of Head Start and Native American, answered 33 questions about their food security and additional questions about their involvement with the Food Stamp Program. The study found that for many of these families food insecurity is not a short-term emergency, but a long-term continuing struggle.

Many Oregon residents have lost access to public programs because of recent deep budget cuts, including major cuts to public health care programs. The Food Stamp Program is increasingly important as many Oregon families face difficult times and increased medical costs. In this report, several food stamp applicants describe their experiences and the barriers they faced when applying for food stamps. This report also includes some initial survey results.

This report documents the harmful effects of Washington State’s policy of denying food stamps to former drug felons. This report identifies which groups are most hurt by the drug felony disqualification and illustrates how this policy is unsound.

The Food Stamp Program is one of the most cost-effective public assistance programs available to states. This is because the federal government covers the entire cost of food stamp benefits, and states only pay half of the administrative costs. By increasing food stamp allocations, Montana could ensure that people have sufficient food. Such an increase would benefit local economies through increased federal dollars.

Download the report.

Washington families are going hungry due to inadequate food stamp benefits and overly restrictive eligibility rules. This report describes how Washington can improve its Food Stamp Program.

The rising price of licenses has made many rural Idaho families unable to afford the cost of hunting and fishing – a historical source of their food supply. Creating a low-cost hunting and fishing package for low-income families will help ensure they can put food on their table.

Download the report.

Low-income Montana families face hunger. This report describes how state can improve the Food Stamp Program.

Download the report.

Personal stories of families living with food insecurity and how the Food Stamp Program can help.

Download the report.

Hunger greatly affects Idaho’s low-income families. This report covers measures the state can take to ensure families and individuals no longer go hungry.

Download the report.