The latest official figure indicates that SNAP benefits reached about 41.7 million people on average per month in fiscal year 2024, which is roughly 12.3% of the U.S. population. In some months and contexts, you’ll see estimates phrased as “about 42 million people” receiving SNAP benefits, depending on the source and time reference. These numbers come from USDA ERS data and related government publications. Key points

• Typical monthly coverage: around 41.7 million people (FY 2024) [ERS ERS 2025 update].

• Share of population: about 12.3% in FY 2024, with state variation from about 4.8% (Utah) to 21.2% (New Mexico) [ERS 2025 updates].

• Historical context: SNAP participation has fluctuated, peaking around 47–48 million in some prior years (e.g., FY 2013) and averaging lower in earlier years, with 2024 representing the most recent full-year average reported by ERS.

If you’d like, I can tailor the numbers to a specific month, state, or demographic group, or pull the most recent monthly update if you’re looking for the current month’s figure.