Inflation blamed for larger, permanent replacement of pandemic boost
Federal ‘food stamp’ payments to Vermont low-income families will increase 21% on October 1, compared to the same date last year – the highest increase in the Vermont ‘3SquaresVT’ program’s history.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the re-evaluation of its Thrifty Food Plan, which estimates the cost of buying groceries for a family of four and is used to calculate benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.
The re-evaluation concluded that food costs today are 21% higher than the amounts in the current Thrifty Food Plan. The plan was adjusted accordingly.
As a result, the average 3SquaresVT benefit will increase by $36 per person per month starting October 1 when compared to October 1, 2020 benefits. This represents the single largest permanent increase in benefits in the program’s history. It comes at an important time, as a temporary 15% increase in the Thrifty Food Plan, related to the COVID pandemic, will end on September 30, 2021.
Categories: State Government
Now we need to make certain that these vouchers are being utilized for food by the individuals they are intended – and not sold under-value in exchange for drugs & alcohol. Of course, I suppose, if retailers were to ask for I.D. that would be “racist” or “sexist” or some type of “ist”…….Social Services fraud wastes billions of dollars & makes it more difficult for those who have genuine need from getting aid.
I take what is sent to me. But we’re running in more and more red ink.
I can afford healthy foods such as organic yogurt, nuts, olive oil etc. Without food stamps I’d be in trouble. My base of whole grains, legumes, etc. is inexpensive.
I’m frightened as to what will happen over the next few years. China and Russia are attacking the $.
Are there restrictions about what food may be purchased? Potato chips? Oreos? Pepsi?
I’m an individual, disabled. I don’t think that it applied to me, only to households.
But I do receive mine as cash.
The food benefits take the form of a card, like a debit card. So individual “pieces” can’t be sold. I am very grateful for the assistance.