Food stamp benefits in U.S. to permanently increase by 25% in October

Aug. 16 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden's administration on Monday announced a hike in food stamp benefits for needy American families in what's the largest increase in the program's history.

The Agriculture Department said Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits will increase by about 25% over prepandemic levels, beginning in October. The change is permanent.

More than 40 million Americans who are enrolled in the SNAP program will receive the additional aid.

"Ensuring low-income families have access to a healthy diet helps prevent disease, supports children in the classroom, reduces healthcare costs, and more," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement.

"And the additional money families will spend on groceries helps grow the food economy, creating thousands of new jobs along the way."

With the changes, the average SNAP benefit -- excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief -- will increase by $36.24 per person, per month, or $1.19 per day.

The average monthly benefit will rise from $121 to $157 per person.

The department said the SNAP program increases food security, including households that have been disproportionately impacted by hunger during COVID-19.

"To set SNAP families up for success, we need a Thrifty Food Plan that supports current dietary guidance on a budget," Stacy Dean, deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services, said in a statement.

"Too many of our fellow Americans struggle to afford healthy meals. The revised plan is one step toward getting them the support they need to feed their families."