Texans to See 25% Increase in SNAP Benefits in October

Those receiving SNAP benefits here in Texas are about to see a 25% increase every month. The increase comes as the 15% boost in benefits is set to end at the end of September.

KXXV Channel 25 reports that the Biden administration approved the increase and will make it permanent. This will mark the single largest increase since the program started in 1975.

The hope is that the increase will help the more than 42 million people using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, as the post-COVID-19 recovery continues.

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Essentially, it takes the  the average monthly per-person benefit from $121 to $157

The U.S. Department of Agriculture detailed the changes for the Thrifty Food Plan, which is used to calculate SNAP benefits. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says,

“A modernized Thrifty Food Plan is more than a commitment to good nutrition – it’s an investment in our nation’s health, economy, and security. Ensuring low-income families have access to a healthy diet helps prevent disease, supports children in the classroom, reduces health care costs, and more. And the additional money families will spend on groceries helps grow the food economy, creating thousands of new jobs along the way.”

The changes come as the USDA looked at data on four key factors, current food prices, what Americans typically eat, dietary guidance, and the nutrients in food items.

The USDA also looked at the current price of food to help determine the raise in benefits.

All told, the USDA concluded that the cost for a nutritious, cost-effective diet is 21% higher than what the current plan affords, so Texans receiving SNAP benefits will see an increase by $36.24 per person, per month beginning on Oct. 1.

As food prices rise, it's good to see those needing help also get the raise in benefits to be able to provide a nutritious meal for their families.