Here’s What The Historic Increase In Food Stamp Benefits Could Mean For You

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A sign alerts customers about SNAP food stamps benefits at a grocery store in New York City in Dec. 2019. SNAP benefits are getting a historic boost nearly two years later, under the Biden administration.

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National
Families Who Receive Food Stamps Will See The Largest Benefits Increase In History

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday released a re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, which is used to calculate SNAP benefits, based on changes to nutritional guidance, food prices and what Americans eat.

Its new calculations mean that the average SNAP benefit will increase by $36.24 per person, per month, beginning Oct. 1. The impact will be felt by many, as the USDA says the program helps feed more than 42 million Americans (or 1 in 8) each month.

The exact amount will vary by state — you can check on your state’s estimated increase here.

Plus, check out this SNAP eligibility guide to see current maximum household benefit amounts and learn how they’re calculated.

The Salt
Food Banks Get The Love, But SNAP Does More To Fight Hunger

«A modernized Thrifty Food Plan is more than a commitment to good nutrition — it’s an investment in our nation’s health, economy, and security, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a press release. «Ensuring low-income families have access to a healthy diet helps prevent disease, supports children in the classroom, reduces health care costs, and more. And the additional money families will spend on groceries helps grow the food economy, creating thousands of new jobs along the way.

The Biden administration is working to strengthen the country’s social safety net, and has long aimed to increase food stamp benefits.

Click here to learn more about the Thrifty Food Plan and how it impacts food assistance.

This story originally appeared in the Morning Edition live blog.