Charts illustrate the scale of SNAP as millions face potential benefit lapse

SNAP recipients reflect a broad cross-section of the country, from working families to retirees and those facing economic hardship. Benefits vary depending on income, family size and essential living expenses, which determine both eligibility and payment amounts.

About 41.7 million Americans, or one in eight households, relied on SNAP each month in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In that same year, federal spending on SNAP totaled $99.8 billion, with benefits averaging about $187 per participant each month, according to USDA data.

In fiscal year 2023, nearly 30% of all SNAP households reported having a job and earning a paycheck. More than half of the families with children and receiving SNAP had at least one household member who was employed.

In addition to SNAP benefits, 61% of participants received income from government assistance programs such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or state aid.

Overall, adults ages 18 to 59 made up the largest share of SNAP recipients at 42%, followed by children at 39% and seniors at 19%, a breakdown that underscores the program's role in supporting both the working poor and the most vulnerable.

The USDA has warned that if the shutdown continues past early November, states may have to delay or suspend SNAP payments altogether. Some governors are already preparing contingency plans, though federal law leaves them little flexibility without new funding from Congress.

On Friday, a pair of federal judges ruled that the administration must issue November food stamp benefits, either in full or in part.

Fox News Digital's Alex Miller and Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.