Population Characteristics
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Women and Federal Nutrition Programs
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Federal programs can provide low-income
women and their families with essential help in obtaining
food and income support. The Federal Food Stamp Program
helps low-income individuals purchase food. In 2005, nearly
12.5 million adults participated in the Food Stamp Program;
of these, almost 8.5 million (68 percent) were women. Of
these women, nearly 4 million (almost half) were in the
18–35 age group. Female-headed households with children
make up nearly one-third of households that rely on food
stamps, and represent nearly 60 percent of food stamp households
with children (data not shown).
The Supplemental Food Program for Women,
Infants, and Children (WIC) also plays an important role
in serving women and families by providing supplementary
nutrition during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and while
breastfeeding. Most WIC participants are infants and children
(75 percent); however, the program also serves nearly 2
million pregnant women and mothers, representing 25 percent
of WIC participants. During the years 1992–2005, the number
of women participating in WIC increased by 60 percent, and
it continues to rise.
> Vertical
Bar Chart: Adult Recipients of Food Stamps, by
Age and Sex, 2005
> Vertical
Bar Chart: Women Participating in WIC, Selected
Years, 1992-2005
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