Food Security Advocates Push for SNAP Benefit Increases in COVID-19 Stimulus [View all]

A national food bank organization estimates roughly 170,000 Montanans could face hunger this year, a significant spike propelled by COVID-19, and food security advocates are seeking increases in SNAP benefits to both address the current plight and expected fallout from the pandemic’s prolonged economic recovery.

SNAP, shorthand for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is the nation’s largest food assistance program often referred to as food stamps.

Advocates want Congress to include in its next COVID-19 stimulus package a 15% increase to the maximum SNAP benefit, which would amount to $25 per person each month. The U.S. House of Representatives included the increase in its bill, but it’s uncertain how much of the House’s legislation will end up in the U.S. Senate’s version.

Lorianne Burhop, chief policy officer for the Montana Food Bank Network, said she would also like to see the minimum monthly benefit raised from $16 to $30, which would particularly benefit fixed-income seniors. Burhop also wants Congress to delay the implementation of proposed administrative rules that would limit SNAP.

Read more: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2020/07/17/food-security-advocates-push-snap-benefit-increases-covid-19-stimulus/