The Chronicles Of Grant County
SNAP Benefits
Part Two
Fruits and vegetables are among the food products that people can purchase with SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. (The photograph was produced by Preston Keres and provided courtesy of the USDA, April 26, 2019.)
The numbers of people in southwest New Mexico who have utilized the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) under its current name (since October of 2008) as well as under its previous name of "Food Stamps" have varied through the years.
levels in Catron County and Hidalgo County have steadily decreased in the past 15-plus years. All statistics listed in this news column are from the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
According to statistics in a report of activities in January of 1989 – the earliest monthly reports listed from the FNS of the USDA – 166 people in 54 households received benefits through the SNAP in Catron County. Of those individuals, 11 people in five households were receiving public assistance and 155 people in 49 households were not receiving public assistance. A total of $9,594.00 was spent by the government for these benefits provided through the SNAP.
In January of 2000, the stats for Catron County detailed that 273 people in 103 households received benefits through the SNAP. Of those individuals, 69 people in 22 households were receiving public assistance and 204 people in 81 households were not receiving public assistance. A total of $19,078.00 was spent by the government for these benefits provided through the SNAP.
In January of 2010, statistics for Catron County showed that 390 people in 168 households received benefits through the SNAP. Of those individuals, 30 people in ten households were receiving public assistance and 360 people in 158 households were not receiving public assistance. A total of $46,068.00 was spent by the government for these benefits provided through the SNAP.
In January of 2020, a report issued on November 11, 2022, indicated that no people received benefits through the SNAP in Catron County.
In July of 2021, a report issued on September 6, 2022, indicated that no people received benefits through the SNAP in Catron County.
In July of 2022, a report issued on June 17, 2023, indicated that no people received benefits through the SNAP in Catron County.
For Hidalgo County, in January of 1989, 680 people in 245 households received benefits through the SNAP. Of those individuals, 159 people in 56 households were receiving public assistance and 521 people in 189 households were not receiving public assistance. A total of $38,402.00 was spent by the government for these benefits provided through the SNAP.
In January of 2000, the stats for Hidalgo County detailed that 803 people in 287 households received benefits through the SNAP. Of those individuals, 206 people in 60 households were receiving public assistance and 597 people in 227 households were not receiving public assistance. A total of $52,582.00 was spent by the government for these benefits provided through the SNAP.
In January of 2010, statistics for Hidalgo County showed that 974 people in 415 households received benefits through the SNAP. Of those individuals, 113 people in 39 households were receiving public assistance and 861 people in 376 households were not receiving public assistance. A total of $120,869.00 was spent by the government for these benefits provided through the SNAP.
In January of 2020, a report issued on November 11, 2022, indicated that 19 people received benefits through the SNAP in Hidalgo County. All individuals listed were not receiving public assistance. No household numbers were listed. A total of $2,110.00 was spent by the government for these benefits provided through the SNAP.
In July of 2021, a report issued on September 6, 2022, indicated that no people received benefits through the SNAP in Hidalgo County.
In July of 2022, a report issued on June 17, 2023, showed that seven people in three households in Hidalgo County received benefits through the SNAP. Of those individuals, two people in one household were receiving public assistance and five people in two households were not receiving public assistance. A total of $2,955.00 was spent by the government for these benefits provided through the SNAP.
Usage levels of the SNAP in Grant County and Luna County from 1989 to 2022 will be included in the next edition of The Chronicles Of Grant County. Part Four of this news series will include further details on how people can use the SNAP, the requirements for people to receive the SNAP benefits, how to apply for the SNAP, and where to apply for the SNAP.
Do you have questions about communities in Grant County?
A street name? A building?
Your questions may be used in a future news column.
Contact Richard McDonough at
If your email does not go through, please contact
© 2024 Richard McDonough
