The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is used by Americans to assist feed their families.
With SNAP benefits, people can buy food-producing plants and seeds as well as fruits, vegetables, meat, chicken, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, and snack items.
Changes in SNAP Benefits
The USDA modifies the maximum benefits allotments, deductions, and income eligibility requirements each fiscal year in accordance with changes in the cost of living.
However, there have been some additional changes that have had an impact on how much benefits individuals and families will receive for the current fiscal year, which started on October 1, 2022.
To better match the amount beneficiaries get with the price of a diet that is nutrient-dense, the Agriculture Department (USDA) modified the TFP, which serves as the foundation for benefits.
Despite this, a lot of families who rely on food benefits to buy food will start to face difficulties, particularly in light of recent food inflation and the end of universally free school lunches.
That will have a negative impact on children’s health, academic potential, caregivers’ health, and the health of adults who depend on benefits.
Read more: SNAP Benefit Payment In 2023: State-Specific Payment Dates And Processes For All 50 States
Increased Demand for Food
The unfavorable impacts of stopping a brief increase in benefits have already been observed.
Benefits were increased by 13.6% as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Congress passed in 2009 as a reaction to the Great Recession.
Families will be forced to find alternative sources of food for their daily meals as a result of the termination of SNAP EA payments, primarily by turning to food banks.
The growing cost of food has already increased demand at food banks prior to the cessation of EA benefits.
Those in need of immediate assistance locating emergency food programs, food pantries, community meals, and more can phone 211.
Read more: SNAP Benefit Scams: Tips For Spotting And Preventing Fraudulent Activity