Historic increase in food stamps benefits is on the way
CNN
Food stamps benefits will jump more than 25% above pre-pandemic levels, on average, starting in October -- the largest increase in the program's history, the Biden administration announced Monday.
The boost, which advocates say is long overdue, stems from an update to the Thrifty Food Plan, which determines the benefit amounts of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the formal name for food stamps. The plan estimates the cost of groceries needed to provide a budget-conscious diet for a family of four. The increase comes as part of a USDA review of the food stamp program required under the 2018 Farm Bill. Congress ordered the agency to re-evaluate the plan by 2022 -- and every five years thereafter. It was last adjusted in 2006.More Related News