GREEN BAY, Wis. (NBC 26) -- The nation's food assistance program, known as SNAP, is set to increase its benefits in October according to the USDA. NBC News reports the average household will see a 25-percent increase of their benefits, compared to pre-pandemic levels, through the change.
The average per-person benefit of $121 a month will rise by $36 dollars according to the USDA. A new maximum will also increase to $835 a month for a family of four, which is an increase of 21-percent.
With nearly one in seven people in Eastern Wisconsin struggling with food insecurity during the pandemic, local food shelves are welcoming today's news regarding SNAP benefits increasing. Mauren Fitzgerald with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin says the benefits should have been increased long ago.
"Well, I think it's long overdue. It's the first time in about 45 years that they have looked at the Thrifty Meal Plan that will increase the maximum benefit for people on Food Share in Wisconsin."
Some of the people who could benefit from the increased funding are seniors. According to AARP, an estimated three out of five eligible adults over the age of 60 do not apply for food stamps. Which on average, would equate to about $105 worth of food every month. Fitzgerald, says often seniors don't apply for the benefits even though they would qualify.
"Often seniors are worried about the program. They think they might be taking the benefit from someone else or that they are not going to get very much. So, it takes a little bit for seniors to understand this is a program that they have paid into their whole life. That it's very similar to social security."
The USDA plans for the new food stamp benefits to be put into effect in October. The increase ultimately would result in an average of an additional $36 a month for each person that qualifies. But, those in the food assistance field hope that while some benefits increase, others won't be compromised at the federal level come 2022.
"Really looking on the horizon, we're worried about what happens when a lot of those Covid relief programs expire," adds Fitzgerald.
To fill out an application for the SNAP benefits program check out this link or call the Wisconsin SNAP hotline at 1-800-362-3002.
