On August 16th, the USDA announced that they will be increasing SNAP EBT benefits for food stamp recipients by an average of $36 per person – or about $1.20 per day. The food stamps increase will go into effect beginning on October 1, 2021.
This change to the food stamp program will be marked as the largest increase to SNAP in the program’s history. The increase in SNAP EBT benefits comes as a result of the USDA’s reevaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP). Which is one of four food plans that the USDA develops to estimate the cost of a healthy, balanced diet on a low price point.
To find out more about this change to the SNAP EBT program and how much additional money you can expect to receive in food stamps, continue reading below.
Thrifty Plan Updates for 2021
The Thrifty Food Plan takes into account the current food prices, what Americans typically eat, dietary guidance, and the nutrients in food items. For example, the updated Thrifty Food Plan includes more fish and red and orange vegetables.
The revised TFP represents the cost of a practical, nutritious, cost-effective diet for a family of four. This includes an adult male, adult female, and two kids between the ages of 6-8 and 9-11.
This change to the Thrifty Food Program has resulted in an average SNAP benefit increase of 25% for food stamp recipients.
Food stamp benefits are impacted by changes to the Thrifty Food Plan because it determines the maximum SNAP allotment benefit amount for a household size.
Georgia Food Stamp Increase for 2021-2022
Georgia SNAP EBT Cardholders can expect to see a significant increase in food stamp benefits. In fact, Georgia SNAP benefits are expected to increase by $778 million in the state alone.
On average, Georgia food stamp recipients can expect to receive an additional $36 in monthly benefits. This increase does not include the annual cost of living adjustment that takes place in October.
With that said, the average SNAP recipient can expect to receive an increase in benefits similar to the example highlighted below.
Current Average Monthly SNAP Benefits: $121
New Average Monthly SNAP Benefits: $169
That’s a $48 increase in SNAP EBT benefits by October 2021.
Importance of SNAP Benefits Increase
Today, the average cost of a meal is $2.41. That is 22% higher than maximum food stamp benefits, according to the Urban Institute. This means that the maximum benefit did not cover a modestly priced meal in 96% of the United States.
The USDA reports that nearly 9 in 10 SNAP participants face issues purchasing households with nutritious food due to cost. Additionally, nearly 90% of food stamp recipients say that their benefits run out before the end of the month.
The revisions to the Thrifty Food Plan and Food Stamps Program is an important step towards ending hunger.
SNAP Benefits Increase in Georgia
We hope this post on the new SNAP EBT Increase was helpful to you. We will continue to update this article as more information is released regarding food stamp increases in Georgia.
To stay updated on all things related to the Georgia food stamps program, be sure to follow our Georgia SNAP EBT Blog.
Want to know how much extra food stamps you can expect to receive on your Georgia EBT Card each month? Check out our article on Georgia Emergency Allotment benefits by Month.
