12 - Numeracy

 Numeracy, the Government Shutdown, and SNAP Benefits

Numeracy, as defined by National Numeracy, is "having the confidence to use basic maths at work and in everyday life." This confidence extends to interpreting data, statistics, charts, and diagrams; processing information and solving problems; understanding and explaining solutions; and making decisions based on logical thinking and reasoning.

Numbers are a part of almost everything we do--particularly when it comes to statistics. Understanding, assessing, and responding to statistical information is essential in an age where numbers are constantly changing, reported, shared, and interpreted. 

Statistics appear in nearly all the content we consume daily, from polls, economic reports and demographic data, all the way to crime rates and the birth and death rates. Numeracy allows us to analyze this data critically, helping us understand trends and patterns in growth and decline.

But how can we apply these skills to our daily lives? 

The Government Shutdown: A Real World Example

Take, for example, the government shutdown. The second-longest shutdown in U.S. history has had substantial effects over time on many individuals. Thousands of federal employees are placed on temporary or unpaid leave, others are required to work without pay, and many are experiencing disruptions in federal funding. Because of this, millions of people may be without food assistance. A shutdown can disrupt programs that support millions of Americans.

One such program is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This program provides food assistance to low-income households and individuals, and its funding depends on meeting the costs of eligible individuals. Since SNAP funding relies on continuing resolution, a lapse may leave millions of Americans without support. 

Understanding SNAP Through Numbers

Statistics make the scale of SNAP clear. In the 2024 fiscal year, nearly 41.7 million people (about 12.3% of the U.S. population) received SNAP benefits each month. Average monthly participation has been above 40 million people since 2010 (except in 2019 and 2020). 

[Graph of the 2024 fiscal year; picture above leads to source.]

Participation also varies across states. Heat maps and congressional district analyses reveal where households rely most heavily on SNAP benefits. In 2024, households in nearly every congressional district participated in SNAP at some point within the year, highlighting the widespread need for food assistance. 

    [Picture of heat maps containing information about participants in SNAP on the state and congressional district level; pictures above lead to sources.] 

How Numeracy Helps

Numeracy allows us to turn these numbers into meaningful insights, shedding light on the impact of programs for individuals. By assessing the data, we can see trends in participation, funding, and eligibility, while understanding how important these programs are in providing access to food. Numeracy turns statistics into actionable understanding, allowing us to see how funding policies and programs influence everyday lives, and why disruptions--like a government shutdown--can have serious consequences.