In March and April 2023, millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are seeing their benefits reduced. This is due to the expiration of pandemic-related programs that provided additional support to those in need. If you or someone you know are receiving benefits from the SNAP program, it’s important to understand how this change will affect you and what steps you can take to ensure that your family is getting the nutrition you need.
First, let’s take a closer look at SNAP and how it works. SNAP is a federal program that provides assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase food. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several programs were implemented to provide additional support to SNAP recipients. One key program was the emergency allotments which added an additional $95 (minimum) to the benefits. Starting in April SNAP benefits will drop back to their pre-pandemic levels.
Coping with your SNAP Benefit Reduction
The loss of SNAP benefits can be a significant challenge for many families, especially those who rely on the program to make ends meet. However, there are strategies that can be employed to cope with this loss and help make food budgets stretch further.
Check That Your Benefits are Current
One of the first steps to take is to contact your local SNAP/CalFresh office to ensure that your information is up to date. Especially if you have had any major life changes in the last year it is important you update it with the government as it could lead to additional benefits–or at least prevent you from getting suspended.
This will ensure that you are receiving the maximum benefits that you are eligible for and can help to mitigate the impact of any benefit reductions. You can also inquire about other assistance programs that may be available in your area, such as emergency food assistance or job training programs. To learn more about the California changes to the program, eligibility and more, visit the CalFresh website.
Budgeting for SNAP Benefit Reduction
Another important strategy is to budget your food expenses carefully. This may mean making some changes to your grocery shopping habits, such as buying generic or store-brand items, buying in bulk, and planning meals ahead of time to reduce food waste. Setting a weekly or monthly food budget can also help you to stay on track and make the most of the resources that you have available.
When it comes to meal planning, there are many low-cost meal options that can help to stretch your food budget further. For example, simple meals like rice and beans or pasta with tomato sauce can be nutritious and filling while still being budget-friendly. Soups, stews, and casseroles are also good options for making inexpensive ingredients go further. You can also check out our Broke Recipes for Urban Survival or our Cheap Dinner Recipes Tested for Your Family
Reach For Community Support
Food pantries can also be a valuable resource for those who are struggling to make ends meet in the face of a SNAP Benefit Reduction. Many food pantries offer a variety of items, including fresh produce, canned goods, and other staples. Some food pantries also offer cooking classes or nutrition education programs to help individuals and families make the most of the resources available to them.
In addition to these strategies, it’s important to remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. If you are struggling to make ends meet, there are resources available to help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local community organizations or social service agencies to inquire about additional assistance programs or other resources that may be available to you.