SNAP benefit program in 2024: In January 2024, low-income Americans who depend on food assistance will see their benefits increase significantly.
As a result of the Give SNAP a Raise Act, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive an additional $40 million.
In December 2022, the DC Council passed the Give SNAP a Raise Act, but funding was not immediately secured.
In May, the council decided to allocate any surplus revenue to fulfill the law’s requirements during the fiscal year 2024 budget process.
According to the act, approximately 130,000 SNAP recipients in Washington will receive an additional $47 in food assistance, depending on their family size and income level.
Additionally, $20 million will be allocated in relief funds for undocumented immigrants, cash economy workers, and returning citizens who are excluded from federal pandemic aid.
SNAP application backlog causes concern: steps taken to resolve the problem
Supporting low-income beneficiaries
Food stamps, formerly known as SNAP, help low-income households purchase food through monthly allowances distributed via electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards. These allowances are adjusted based on household size and monthly income.
An emergency allotment temporarily increased SNAP payments to the maximum amount allowed for each household size, ensuring that no beneficiary received less than $95 per month during the pandemic.
Enrolling in programs like SNAP can help reduce food insecurity, especially for families with young children. DC Action reports that about 35 percent of households with children reported less food insecurity within six months of enrolling in the program.
A recent hunger report indicates that 32 percent of people of color in the D.C. metropolitan area remain food insecure.
Compared to 18 percent of white residents, 44 percent of Black residents and 27 percent of Hispanic residents experienced food insecurity. Despite the rising cost of living and inflation in the District, over 70 percent of people experiencing food insecurity are employed.
