Economic Hardship & SNAP Benefits

Tracy Roof, associate professor of political science, is currently studying the history of America's food stamp program. At a time when unemployment is at an all time high, Roof can discuss how government assistance programs like SNAP have historically benefit those in need as well as the economy.

"The number of people on SNAP typically tracks how well the economy is doing. Economists have found that every percetange point increase in unemployment rate boosts the number of people on the program by 15%. SNAP recipients spend their benefits quickly, injecting those dollars directly into the economy," says Roof.

Contact urnews2use@richmond.edu  to connect with Roof.