According to the United States Department of Agriculture, grocery store food prices went up 3.5% in 2021 compared to 2020. And that trend is already continuing in 2022. There’s important information about government programs to help combat food insecurity that you should know about. Keep reading below to learn more about these programs.
Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Expands Benefits
In 2022, SNAP has increased their benefits 15% across the board. This means an extra $3.5 billion for SNAP households, in addition to an extra $1 billion a month to increase benefits for the lowest income households.
The Thrifty Food Plan has also seen an increase in their SNAP benefit amount by 21%. Alongside these financial boosts to the programs, SNAP online shopping has expanded their selection, making it easier for people to get access to nutritious food.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
TEFAP’s Fresh Produce Initiative provides pre-packaged food and fresh produce to needy families. With the increase in food prices, TEFAP has been funded with an extra $1 billion investment to make sure states, food banks, and local organizations have enough to serve their communities.
American Rescue Plan Funding
The USDA is increasing food benefits to low-income seniors as part of their American Rescue Plan Funding. With an estimate of $37 million in additional funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), people 60 years old and up will be able to get more access to healthy foods. Visit American Rescue Plan Act to get more information on the new benefits available under this act.
SNAP for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
People eligible for this program may see a temporary increase in their benefits, with $491 million in additional funding. Those who are eligible under this program receive cash-value vouchers to buy fruits and vegetables.
Normally the cash-value vouchers are $9 per child and $11 for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women. However, with the additional funding provided under the American Rescue Plan Act, people can temporarily receive up to $35 per child and adult. To see more information on each individual state’s increases, go to the State List of Increases for WIC.
Raising The Stakes
With supply chain issues and a sudden spike in demand in a post-Covid world, food prices are seeing a sharp increase. That’s why the federal government has increased their spending in these important food programs. Only time will tell if these financial actions are going to be enough to help families in need.
