Biden Administration Increases Food Stamp Payments By Record Amount

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced revised nutritional standards that dramatically increase average food stamp benefits. Families in need will receive a continuous increase in food stamp benefits in October in line with the expansion of the program. Writes about it Yahoo!.

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The change will increase the average benefit by more than 25% from pre-pandemic levels.

Under the new rules, the average monthly benefits of $ 121 per person before the pandemic will rise by $ 36 starting in October. All 42 million people participating in the program will receive additional assistance.

At the same time, on September 30, a temporary increase in benefits of 15% expires in the framework of the fight against the pandemic. The $ 3,5 billion increase in benefits approved earlier this year provides about $ 27 more per person per month, or more than $ 100 per month for a family of four.

In accordance with the 2018 law, the agency revised its rules for estimating the cost of a nutritious diet called the "Lean Meal Plan," which is used to calculate Food Stamp Benefits (SNAP).

Thrifty Food's first plan change in more than a decade

Although benefits increased with inflation, the USDA said the adjustment represented the first increase in its purchasing power since it was first introduced in 1975. USA Today.

The cost of these benefits will increase by nearly $ 20 billion to about $ 92,2 billion.

On the subject: How to apply for food stamps in the US

“The modernized Thrifty Food Plan is more than a commitment to eating better—it's an investment in our nation's health, economy and security,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tom Vilsack. “Ensuring low-income families have access to healthy foods helps prevent disease, supports children, reduces health care costs and more.”

The review looked at current food prices, the American diet, and dietary guidelines.

A critical step

House Democrats on the Committee on Agriculture Nutrition Subcommittee called the reassessment "a critical step in ensuring that SNAP benefits adequately support a nutritious diet."

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The Democrats added that "studies have shown that although SNAP reduces food shortages by improving the health of recipients, the benefits are too low to fully meet their nutritional needs."

Congressional Republicans on two agriculture committees have asked the State Accounts Chamber to review the USDA's updated plan.

In 2019, the USDA said the program reached about 11% of the US population.

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