Characteristics of food stamp households, September 1976-

the long version

Abstract: The second national survey of characteristics of households in the Food Stamp Program of USDA portrays a cross section of the food stamp caseload in September, 1976. 11,980 households in the survey were certified as eligible to receive food stamps at that time. Data were obtained from food stamp case records. Findings are presented for 50 states and D.C.; Puerto Rico's profile is presented separately. Data have national and regional validity. No inferences can be made about participant characteristics below the regional level. The primary unit of analysis was the household group; few finding are reported on individuals. The major findings of the survey are given under those demographic and economic factors that best portray the food stamp caseload, including household composition, income amounts, sources of income, deductible expenditures when countable food stamp income is determined. Comparison of 1975 and 1976 important caseload characteristics is included.