Food banks and meal program are painfully aware of the impact the recession has had on their clients. Many have shared stories of families who have turned to their programs to help put food on the table as they face difficult choices like paying rent or buying food.
To help alleviate some of the deep impacts of the recession, Congress enacted the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in 2009. This program added additional, short-term funding to many public assistance programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps) to help boost the standard of living for Americans struggling to get through the Great Recession.
Funding increases to SNAP meant that many individuals and families saw increases in their monthly benefits. These benefits were temporary however, and they expired October 21.
What does this mean for Washingtonians who use food stamps? Starting today, monthly benefits will be reduced, with the amount depending on household size and monthly income. In general, households could see the following benefit reductions:
Household Size
Potential Monthly Benefit Reduction
1
- $11
2
- $20
3
- $29
4
- $36
These cuts mean fewer dollars to spend at the grocery store and likely mean longer lines at emergency food programs as more people turn to food banks to help fill the gap.
If you or someone you know are affected by these cuts, please contact Food Lifelineto share your story and see if we can help you connect with other services you may qualify for. Also please don't hesitate to contact Food Lifeline staff with any other questions.
ON THE HORIZON
A quick snapshot of upcoming hunger relief issues!
Farm Bill Conference Committee starts negotiations this week
City and County 2014 budgets will be finalized in November
State Legislative Session starts in January
Food Lifeline feeds hungry people. We stock the shelves and fill the tables of 275 food banks, meal programs and shelters throughout Western Washington.
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