- insufficient wages that do not keep up with the cost of living

- disability

- medical bills that create bankruptcy or profound income loss

- age (children and elders)



​A significant portion of SNAP participants includes vulnerable populations. ​In 2023, approximately 39% of SNAP participants were children, 20% were elderly, and 10% were nonelderly individuals with disabilities. ​Many households receiving SNAP benefits often have a child under 18 years old or an individual over 60 years old.