JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – Even though grocery prices continue to rise , fewer Mississippians rely on food assistance programs compared to 2023.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 389,941 Mississippians used the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in March 2023. One year later, that number is down by over 1.8% to 382,734. The state makes up roughly 0.88% of the country’s overall population and roughly 0.92% of the overall SNAP population in 2024.

Mississippi’s SNAP participation rate decreased at a slower rate than the national average of roughly 2.1% in one year. So even though Mississippi has fewer SNAP participants year over year, its share of SNAP users nationally increased. SNAP users make up more than 13% of the Magnolia State’s overall population in 2024.

The state had 7,204 fewer recipients compared to 2023, but SNAP users received $174,354 more in benefits. The less than 0.3% increase in Mississippi is a sharp contrast to the roughly 11.5% decrease in SNAP benefits nationwide since March 2023. Nationally, there are roughly one billion fewer dollars in benefits in March 2024 compared to last year.

Nationally, fewer people are using food stamps compared to 10 years ago. Since March 2014, the amount of people using SNAP has decreased by over 10%. Even though SNAP benefits have increased by 33% nationally more than the last 10 years, it has barely caught up with inflation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index is more than 32% higher now compared to 2014.

SNAP is a federal program that helps low-income households buy food. To apply, check eligibility, use benefits and more, visit the Mississippi Department of Human Services website .

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