SNAP Recipients Increase in Maverick County after decline

By: Jose G. Landa, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2015

According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (THHSC) there are 16,872 people in Maverick County receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as Food Stamps, as of October 2015, an increase from the previous two years of 2013 and 2014.

In 2014, there were a total of 16,174 Maverick County people receiving SNAP benefits while in 2013 there were 14,206 people, the second lowest number of recipients during the past ten years in Maverick County.

THHSC reports indicate that in 2012 there were 15,490 people in Maverick County receiving SNAP benefits compared to 16,792 in 2011, 17,635 in 2010, 17,696 in 2009, 15,895 in 2008, 13,687 in 2007, 14,566 in 2006, and 15,202 in 2005.

The THHSC reports reflect that during the past three years (2013-2015) Maverick Countians receiving SNAP benefits have increased after a decline in 2012.

Data from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission shows that the number of SNAP benefit recipients in 2015 (16,872) in Maverick County is the third largest number of recipients dependent on food stamps during the past ten years. Only 2009 had 17,696 recipients and 2010 had 17,635 recipients as having the largest number of SNAP beneficiaries in Maverick County during the past 10 years.

THHSC Reports indicate that the year with the lowest amount of Maverick County persons receiving SNAP benefits was in 2007 with 13,687.

Among the SNAP recipients in Maverick County during 2015, THHSC reports show that there were 5,852 people between the ages of 5 to17 years old as the largest number of recipients with 5,852 followed by 5,572 people between the ages of 18 to 59 years old, then 2,402 of ages between infants to 5 years old, 2,451 between the ages of 65 and older, and 502 between the ages of 60 to 64 years old.

A review of the past 10 years of SNAP benefit recipients in Maverick County shows the same results as during 2015.

The total Full Benefit Payment of SNAP recipients in Maverick County is $1,697,144 as of October 2015 with an average payment per case of $255.

In 2014, the total Full Benefit Payment of SNAP recipients in Maverick County was $1,647,374 with an average payment per case of $252.

During 2013, the total Full Benefit Payment of SNAP recipients in Maverick County was $1,351,353 with an average payment per case of $234.

In 2012, the total Full Benefit Payment of SNAP recipients in Maverick County was at $1,568, 980 with an average payment per case of $254.

The high incidence of SNAP recipients in Maverick County indicates a large percentage of poverty and low salary wages in the community. Maverick County is one of the top 10 poorest counties in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

In June 2013, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported over 21,000 persons in Maverick County as living below the poverty level, which 83% of these people receive SNAP benefits through the Lone Star Card.

During November 2013, USDA decreased the value of SNAP benefits to recipients. According to USDA, a household of one person received $11 less; a household of two persons received $20 less; a household of three persons received $29 less; and a household of four persons received $36 less. Households of five or more persons received $36 less plus $10 less per person. Households which receive minimal benefits received $1 less of their monthly benefits.

Maverick Countians generally spend their SNAP benefits in Eagle Pass and Maverick County super markets, food stores, and retail stores, benefiting the local economy and businesses.

The increase of 2015 SNAP benefits recipients in Maverick County is also an indication of rising poverty levels and greater population growth within the community.