USDA to Increase Monthly SNAP Benefits by $100 per Household Through September

SNAP recipients can expect an increase in benefits through September 2021 thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan.

The global pandemic has led to job cuts, reduced work hours, and financial instability, resulting in changed lives for many individuals and their families. In many cases, this means it’s harder to put enough food on the table. According to Feeding America, an estimated 42 million people, including 13 million children, may face food insecurity in 2021. For context, that’s 1 out of every 8 adults, and 1 in 6 kids. To help combat this issue, the USDA recently announced an increase in monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through September 2021. If you’ve been struggling financially throughout the pandemic, the information below may help you get the relief you need.

Read the full article HERE.

Summer Lunch Program

peanut butter and jelly sandwich with carrot sticks The USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) was established to fill the gap when children lose access to meals when schools are closed. Most often this occurs during summer vacation. However, during school closures related to the pandemic, meals are also being made available. You have the opportunity to supplement the food you have at home with meals and snacks for your children from local schools and community organizations. In an effort to maintain social distancing, USDA has made temporary changes that allow parents or guardians to pick up meals and take them home for their children. Organizations have come up with creative ways to make these nutritious meals available in your community through grab and go curbside pickup, providing meals for multiple days at one time, and some including “take and bake” options, and weekend meals.

You can find a meal site in your area via three easy options:

  • Text “Food” or “Comida” to 877-877
  • Call 2-1-1, 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479), or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) (for Spanish)
  • Visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids

 

Take the stress out of providing nutritious meals and snacks to your children by participating at a site near you! Spread the word to family, friends, and neighbors!