Millions of people in the United States will see their food stamps increased permanently, after the Biden Administration approved the largest increase in these benefits in the history of the SNAP program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), as reported this Sunday for the first See
The New York Times.
The government is expected to announce it officially this Monday
and that the measure will come into effect from October, according to the aforementioned media.
On average,
benefits will increase 25%
, compared to pre-pandemic levels.
This means that of the 121 dollars that on average are awarded each month, the beneficiaries would see an increase of
36 dollars
.
[Companies look for employees offering incentives: retirement plans, signing bonuses, aid to pay for studies ...]
Many activists and critics of the program had argued for decades that the amounts were not enough to alleviate food insecurity.
And while the increase may seem modest, proponents of the measure argue that it will serve to reduce hunger, improve nutrition and people's health.
According to studies, currently
more than three-quarters of the households that receive the benefit end it before the middle of the month
.
Researchers have found that a lack of healthy eating affects things like the likelihood of being admitted to a hospital, more school suspensions, and better grades on college entrance exams.
Johnna Nieves (left) and Idalia Núñez fill their truck with food from a food bank in Orlando, Florida;
on November 17, 2020.AP
Unlike other aid granted by the coronavirus pandemic, the increase in this benefit will be permanent.
In 2018,
Congress ordered a reevaluation of the plan
, created in the 1960s when most households depended on the income of one parent, while the other took on unpaid tasks such as preparing parents. food.
[A federal judge refuses to overturn the moratorium on evictions approved by the CDC to curb the coronavirus pandemic]
The model still unrealistically assumed that beneficiaries, for example, would buy the dried beans and boil them instead of looking for the canned beans that require less cooking time.
Can receiving food stamps affect me with the U visa?
Aug. 15, 201900: 34
Foods added to the new healthy diet list include canned beans, cans of tuna, boiled eggs, instant mac and cheese, and red fruits and vegetables like oranges and carrots, among other items.
Reflects a higher calorie diet, recognizing Americans' weight change and current exercise recommendations.
"It was a scientific and analytical process,"
said Stacy Dean, a senior official of the Department of Agriculture who oversees the program.
"It was not just about approving an increase in benefits," he added.
The cost of the program will go from $ 159 for each family of four to $ 193.
