The recent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) review of the Thrifty Food Plan will result in increased benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helping 42 million people afford food. This review, mandated under the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill, will permanently increase the maximum SNAP benefit 21% above pre-pandemic levels. The increased benefit levels will result in an estimated $31.8 billion annually in additional economic activity, helping small businesses and local farms.
Emergency food programs enacted during the coronavirus pandemic were vital to working families who lost jobs through no fault of their own, and SNAP is projected to keep almost 8 million people out of poverty in 2021. Permanently increasing benefits under SNAP will benefit the whole economy as it helps individuals, working families, seniors and disabled people, and provides long-term benefits for low-income children.
Key Points:
The USDA updated SNAP benefits based on a data-driven review mandated by the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill
Updated SNAP will increase monthly individual benefits by $36 on average for 42 million people
Updated SNAP benefits will add $31.8 billion in local economic activity each year
SNAP helped alleviate increased food insecurity and is keeping 8 million people out of poverty during the coronavirus pandemic
Increased SNAP benefits reflect the realities of today’s dietary needs and will provide big benefits for families and communities
