Federal Food Programs are Effective, but Can Work Even Better

Federal food programs are critical to millions of low-income Americans who are in crisis in light of the recession and existing holes in the nutrition and antipoverty safety nets. But the current safety net is a confusing array of programs, with 15 different nutrition assistance programs run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture alone.

This report by the Center for American Progress argues that federal food initiatives such as SNAP and school meals programs could be run more efficiently. It examines the 20th century history of hunger and food insecurity in the United States, including its response to changes in the U.S. economy and key reforms that led to successful outcomes. The authors reiterate a previous proposal for the federal government to combine all 15 food programs into one streamlined, seamless entitlement program available to families in need.

The report is part of the Center for American Progress’s “Doing What Works” project, which was created to ensure that federal hunger program funds advance ambitious and carefully selected progressive goals.

Read the report.