In determining whether a particular geographic area is a high-risk area and eligible for a grant, the Secretary may consider factors including but not limited to the following:

1. (1) Whether 50% or more of those potentially eligible are not participating in the food stamp program, or whether a significant number of the potentially eligible population, particularly the working poor and the elderly, are not participating.
2. (2) Whether 25% or more of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals in the school lunch program.
3. (3) Infant mortality or morbidity rates.
4. (4) Economic indicators including but not limited to the unemployment rate, prevailing wages, and recent loss of job base.
5. (5) A high concentration of at-risk populations.
6. (6) The unavailability of food assistance programs in the area because of lack of provider participation or lack of knowledge about the existence of such programs.

(Source: P.A. 93-555, eff. 1-1-04.)