There has long been a stigma associated with individuals who receive SNAP benefits that they are unwilling to work.
According to a report released by the USDA in January 2017 titled, “Profile of SNAP Households”, this stigma is far from accurate.
The study indicates that 123,212 households in West Virginia receive SNAP benefits. While 29% of beneficiaries are 60 years of age or older, 46% are families with children under age 18.
The study further reflects that
- 46% of these individuals have one wage earner in the household
- 20% have two wage earners
The average income per household for SNAP beneficiaries stands at just over $16,600.
These numbers reflect various attributes regarding SNAP beneficiaries such as
- low skill level employment,
- part-time employment,
- and even single-parent families with only one wage earner,
But they also clearly indicate that the majority of recipient households are workers.
