USDA Announces Snap Benefit Increase In October

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan Monday. That plan is used to calculate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. As a result of the plan, the average SNAP benefit – excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief – will increase for Fiscal Year 2022 beginning on October 1, 2021.

The reevaluation concluded that the cost of a nutritious, practical, cost effective diet is 21% higher than the current Thrifty Food Plan. As a result, 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, for Fiscal Year 2022 beginning on October 1, 2021.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack talked about some of the factors incorporated in making the base calculation that goes into Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Rod Bain has more.