SNAP benefits were increased by 12.5% to account for inflation, but recipients still struggle to manage their finances to put food on their tables. Inflation has caused grocery store prices to rise by nearly 13%, putting a strain on SNAP recipients.
Design System Flawed
The Thrifty Food Plan was modernized last year. As a result, SNAP recipients started receiving an extra $36.24 per month on average in October 2021, and SNAP benefits are calculated through it. While SNAP benefits are adjusted annually for inflation, there is a significant lag between calculation and implementation.
The USDA creates theoretical “market baskets” for different age and gender groups and uses the results to calculate monthly SNAP allotments. However, according to Ellen Vollinger, SNAP director at the Food Research and Action Center, the model is flawed, and the mix of products to provide people with a basic standard of living is not appropriate, a source posted.
A USDA spokesperson acknowledged in a written interview that rising food prices and inflation have recently strained many families. They praised the Thrifty Food Plan‘s flexibility in responding to shifting economic conditions and declared that the organization would review the program every five years.
Food Prices Continue Surging
Shoppers’ wallets came under even more pressure last month as grocery prices rose. Everyone pays more for food nowadays, but not all consumers feel the pinch equally. Low-income families and communities suffer most from high prices for supermarket essentials, necessitating significant sacrifices and creative methods to locate affordable food, according to cnet.com report.
Even though there are signs that inflation is slowing down, food costs are still higher than ever. According to the most recent Consumer Price Index, the cost of groceries increased by more than 12% in October compared to the previous year. As a result, the cost of some staple foods has increased dramatically. For example, the retail price of eggs is now 40% higher than in October 2021.
