In Dallas and Houston, where less than 15 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, it’s likely more difficult to find eligible individuals than in the El Paso and McAllen areas, where about every fourth person lives below the poverty line. This means that some areas of Texas are doing a much better job than the rest of the country enrolling people for the benefits they’re entitled to receive, whereas other areas of Texas have some of the nation’s worst rates.Īnother important factor that may affect participation rates is the extent of an area’s poverty. Houston and Dallas, for instance, sign up fewer than one out of every three people who is eligible to receive food stamps. In fact, El Paso and the McAllen area had the highest food stamp enrollment rates in the country.īut Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston all had some of the lowest rates. Census, El Paso, the McAllen area and San Antonio all had participation rates above the national average. According to our recent analysis of USDA data and the 2000 U.S. ![]() Unfortunately, there’s not a simple answer.įor starters, where you are living with a low income in Texas counts. So why are Texas’ food stamp administrators some of the best in the country at determining benefits, but one of the worst at actually enrolling eligible families to receive them? ![]() On this count, Texas wouldn’t win any awards.Īccording to the Department of Agriculture, the percentage of eligible Texans receiving food stamps ranks well below the national average of 54 percent-and places the state 41st overall among the 50 states. That’s how much Texas missed out on by enrolling less than half of the more than 3 million people in the state who are eligible for food stamps through the state’s Lone Star card. But that check should have been for nearly $1 billion. ![]() Department of Agriculture awarded Texas more than $7 million for being one of the most accurate states in the country at determining food stamp benefits.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |