With food insecurity at an all-time high because of COVID-19, funding key programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are crucial. Thankfully, the new COVID-19 relief bill includes the provision to increase SNAP benefits by 15 percent! These additional SNAP dollars will help struggling families and the economy stay afloat.
Pieces of the bill that will help respond to hunger:
- Temporary increase in individual monthly SNAP benefits (by 15 percent for six months, through the end of June 2020).
- For the purposes of calculating SNAP benefits and eligibility, unemployment compensation will not count as income.
- Provides college students access to SNAP by waiving requirements that apply only to students and giving them access to SNAP similar to impacted workers with reduced work hours due to COVID-19.
- Includes $400 million for food banks through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) with up to 20 percent for distribution of commodities.
- Provides $13 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) with up to
20 percent for state administrative expenses. - Provides $175 million for nutrition services for seniors under the Older Americans Act,
such as Meals on Wheels. - Includes emergency funds for schools and daycares that are facing increased costs and reduced participation due to COVID-19.
- Click here to learn more about the nutrition pieces of the legislation.
With the rise in unemployment because of COVID-19, we know that families facing hunger are also trying to pay for their other basic needs.
Pieces of the bill to help families through this difficult time:
- Federal supplemental unemployment insurance benefits expanded by $300 per week from the end of December until mid-March.
- Extends the current CDC eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021, and provides
$25 billion in rental assistance to states and local governments and Native American tribes through the Coronavirus Relief Fund. - A new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child based on a family’s income, also ensuring that mixed-status families receive payments.
- Read more about the package in total here.
While we are happy to see the passage of this much-needed relief package, we know that a longer-term response is needed to combat the pandemic. There is much more to do. Thank you for helping us advocate for access to healthy and adequate food. Only together can we make a difference in so many families’ lives. Today, we know we did.