During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government implemented a temporary emergency measure to provide additional food assistance to individuals and families facing financial hardship. This resulted in an increase in the number of people receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps. These extra benefits were particularly significant in 2020, with many people experiencing job loss or reduced income due to the pandemic. However, as the economy gradually recovered and the emergency measures ended, the number of individuals receiving food stamps returned to pre-pandemic levels. This change reflects the changing circumstances of individuals and families as the pandemic’s impact lessened over time.
Extended Emergency Allotments
Due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has taken steps to provide additional food assistance to individuals and families in need. One of these measures is the extension of Emergency Allotments (EAs) for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps.
What are Emergency Allotments (EAs)?
- Temporary increases in SNAP benefits authorized by the federal government during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Intended to provide supplemental food assistance to SNAP recipients and help address the increased cost of food and other household expenses during times of crisis.
Who is Eligible for Extended EAs?
Households that are currently receiving SNAP benefits are automatically eligible for the extended EAs. The amount of the EA varies based on household size and other factors.
How Much are the Extended EAs?
The amount of the EA varies by state and household size. In most states, the maximum EA amount for a household of one person is $250 per month. For larger households, the EA amount can be higher. The following table provides examples of EA amounts for different household sizes in some states:
| State | Household Size | EA Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 1 person | $250 |
| California | 2 people | $400 |
| California | 4 people | $600 |
| Texas | 1 person | $281 |
| Texas | 2 people | $459 |
| Texas | 4 people | $835 |
How are Extended EAs Distributed?
- EAs are automatically loaded onto SNAP recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
- The EBT cards can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
- The extended EAs will continue to be provided as long as the federal government deems it necessary to address the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional Resources
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Program
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread economic hardships, leading to increased food insecurity among families with children. In response, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) created the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program to provide additional food assistance to families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals.
How Does the P-EBT Program Work?
The P-EBT program provides eligible families with electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. The amount of benefits families receive is based on the number of children in the household and the school district’s meal distribution schedule.
To be eligible for P-EBT benefits, children must:
- Be enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP)
- Attend a school that is closed or operating under a hybrid learning model due to COVID-19
- Be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals
Families can apply for P-EBT benefits through their state’s education agency. Once approved, families will receive an EBT card in the mail.
What Can Families Purchase with P-EBT Benefits?
Families can use their P-EBT benefits to purchase a variety of food items, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereal
- Snacks
P-EBT benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or non-food items.
When Will P-EBT Benefits Be Available?
The availability of P-EBT benefits varies by state. In most states, P-EBT benefits are being distributed for the 2020-2021 school year. Some states are also providing P-EBT benefits for the summer months.
Additional Information
For more information about the P-EBT program, visit the USDA’s website. You can also contact your state’s education agency for more information about how to apply for P-EBT benefits.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Child must be enrolled in NSLP or SBP | Child must be enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) |
| School must be closed or operating under a hybrid learning model | School must be closed or operating under a hybrid learning model due to COVID-19 |
| Child must be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals | Child must be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals |
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Increases
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides low-income individuals and families with access to nutritious food. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SNAP benefits were temporarily increased in 2020 through emergency legislation. To support individuals and families struggling with food insecurity during the ongoing economic hardship, the government has implemented the following SNAP increases:
- SNAP Emergency Allotments: Starting in January 2021, SNAP emergency allotments were provided to all SNAP households. These additional benefits were intended to match the maximum monthly SNAP benefit amount for each household size.
- Conversion of Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) to SNAP: The P-EBT program provided electronic benefits to eligible children who missed meals due to school closures during the pandemic. Starting in June 2021, the remaining P-EBT balances were converted to SNAP benefits and distributed to eligible households.
- Temporary Extension of SNAP Emergency Allotments: In December 2021, the government passed legislation extending the maximum SNAP emergency allotments through September 2023. This extension provided additional SNAP benefits to approximately 40 million individuals in the United States.
Impact of SNAP Increases on Food Insecurity
The SNAP increases have had a significant impact on reducing food insecurity in the United States. According to a report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the SNAP emergency allotments during the pandemic period of April 2020 to February 2021 lifted 4.2 million people, including 2.1 million children, out of poverty. Additionally, the emergency allotments reduced food hardship among SNAP households by 26%.
Gradual Return to Pre-Pandemic SNAP Levels
Starting in October 2023, the SNAP emergency allotments will gradually end, and SNAP benefits will return to pre-pandemic levels. The reduction in SNAP benefits is expected to have a negative impact on food insecurity in the United States, as many households may struggle to afford adequate food without the additional assistance.
| SNAP Provision | Change | Date Implemented |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP Emergency Allotments | Maximum monthly benefit amount for all SNAP households | January 2021 |
| Conversion of P-EBT to SNAP | Remaining P-EBT balances transferred to SNAP benefits | June 2021 |
| Temporary Extension of SNAP Emergency Allotments | Emergency allotments extended through September 2023 | December 2021 |
| Gradual Return to Pre-Pandemic SNAP Levels | Emergency allotments gradually end, SNAP benefits return to pre-pandemic levels | October 2023 |
Thanks for taking the time to read about the current situation with food stamps. I know it’s a tough topic, and there’s a lot of misinformation out there. I hope this article has helped to clear things up a bit. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. And be sure to check back soon for more updates on this important issue. In the meantime, take care and stay safe.