SNAP Increase Kept 2.9 Million People Out of Poverty after Thrifty Food Plan Update

The Issue

SNAP is the United State’s first defense against hunger, helping 42 million people in America buy food for their families each year. SNAP benefits were increased by 21% in 2021 to keep up with the increasing cost of food and consumption patterns through what is known as the 2021 Thrifty Food Plan update. However, this increase may be rolled back, reducing SNAP assistance for millions.

Key Findings

• The 2021 Thrifty Food Plan Update kept 2.9 million people out of poverty in 2021, reducing poverty by 4.6%.
• These increased SNAP benefits kept 1.3 million children out of poverty, reducing child poverty by 7.6%.
• Higher SNAP benefits had the greatest antipoverty impact in Alabama, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia, where increased benefits reduced the number of people living in poverty by more than eight percent.

Conclusion

Researchers say rolling back the 2021 Thrifty Food Plan update would make it difficult for millions of people nationwide to feed their families and could potentially harm heath and the economy.

About the Author/Grantee

The nonprofit Urban Institute is dedicated to elevating the debate on social and economic policy. For nearly five decades, Urban scholars have conducted research and offered evidence-based solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities across a rapidly urbanizing world. Their objective research helps expand opportunities for all, reduce hardship among the most vulnerable, and strengthen the effectiveness of the public sector. Visit the Urban Institute’s Health Policy Center for more information specific to its staff and its recent research.