We calculate the number of recipients by state as a 12-month average. The average has a delay of six months relative to the model's income year. For example, we used the average between July 1995 and June 1996 for the 1995 model. A 12-month average removes seasonality, smoothes out irregularities probably not related to income, and is more comparable to poverty rates based on annual income figures. We also adjust isolated extreme values so that they are compatible with long-term trends.
Outliers often result from special food stamp issuance in response to natural disasters.
These special programs relax the usual eligibility criteria for a short period of time. We remove these additional recipients with the adjustments. We also remove the additional recipients resulting from more lenient eligibility requirements in Alaska and Hawaii.