This data is collected for use in "planning and funding government programs that provide food assistance and in evaluating other government programs." For more information about why this data is collected, visit: https://www.census.gov/acs/www/about/why-we-ask-each-question/food-stamps/

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Survey, via mail to specific addresses

3.5 million addresses nationwide are randomly selected each year to respond to the American Community Survey. The sample size indicated below applies to the nationwide sample size of housing units selected for final interviews rather than the filtered sample.

Random sampling method of data collection on a rotating basis, participants are legally obligated to answer all questions as accurately as possible. Privacy is protected by the Census Bureau. There is a 90% margin of error for the ACS in general, however, there is also a unique margin of error for each statistic.

The data is publicly available and may be used for cross-community comparisons by the public, journalists, educators, businesses, and various government and nonprofit agencies.