The minimum monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit is $23, a number that many hunger advocates agree is too low. In New York, a bill has been introduced that would raise the minimum SNAP benefit to $95.
The bill, A6214, was introduced by Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas in April. It would distribute to each eligible household a monthly state SNAP benefit equal to the difference between the household's federal SNAP benefit and $95.
Currently, there is no Senate sponsor for the bill, but hunger advocates are hopeful that it will be taken up.
Dan Egan, the executive director of FeedingNYS, highlighted a fundamental issue in the U.S. economy in 2023: Despite being the most dynamic and innovative economy in human history, it fails to benefit everyone due to inherent flaws.
A report released in March by the state comptroller's office underscores Egan's point. The rate of hunger in the state is on the rise: up to 10.8% by November 2022.
About 2.9 million New York households are enrolled in SNAP, but benefits that were increased during the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to end next month. When asked what that will mean, Egan said more visitors to New York's food pantries.
"It's going to drive them even more often to food pantries," he explained. "It's going to mean parents skipping meals so their children can eat. It's going to make children more dependent on school meals."
The 2018 Farm Bill, which includes SNAP benefits, is set to expire on Sept. 30. Hunger advocates are hoping that Congress will pass legislation to extend the bill and increase SNAP benefits.
Photo Credit: SNAP
Categories: New York, Government & Policy