Democracy Dies in Darkness
Economic Policy

Millions could see cuts to food stamps as federal pandemic aid ends

For low-income households enrolled in the program, known as SNAP, the cuts could reduce their benefits by an average $182 per month, according to the USDA

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March 1, 2023 at 6:00 a.m. EST
Jaqueline Benitez puts away groceries at her home in Bellflower, Calif., on Feb. 13. Benitez, 21, who works as a preschool teacher, depends on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, to help pay for food. (Allison Dinner/AP)
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A federal pandemic program that provided extra money to Americans who receive food stamps ended on Wednesday, threatening to complicate the finances of an estimated 31 million low-income people while grocery prices remain high.

For some households, the cuts are expected to reduce their monthly benefits by an average of $182, according to the Agriculture Department, which manages the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP. That means federal aid may only provide families an average of $6 per person each day for food starting Wednesday, less than what many anti-hunger experts say is necessary for a healthy diet.