The number of Americans receiving food assistance from the US government dropped by over two million people during President Trump’s first year in office; the direct result of a booming economy and low unemployment following the GOP-sponsored tax cuts.
According to the Daily Caller, roughly 42.2 million Americans were enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) program throughout 2017; an eleven percent drop from 2013 following President Obama’s second inauguration.
“Federal spending for SNAP totaled $68.0 billion or 4 percent less than in the previous fiscal year” writes the Caller. “This was also 15 percent less than the historical high of $79.9 billion set in FY 2013.”
The positive economic data echoes similar statistics published earlier this week, with consumer confidence soaring to its highest levels in over a decade.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the consumer-sentiment index reached 102 in March; the highest level seen since 2004. Data also shows the index inching up in February as well, reaching an already-healthy score of 99.7.
“Consumers continued to adjust their expectations in reaction to new economic policies,” said Richard Curtin, the study’s senior economist.