The SNAP ProgramSNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is the largest federally funded nutrition assistance program in the country. It is eligibility based and is run by the states. SNAP is based off the poverty line income levels similar to other government social assistance programs. For an individual the maximum amount of gross monthly income to qualify for SNAP benefits is $1,245, add on $436 for each additional household member. The average monthly SNAP benefit in South Carolina is now $120.38 for an individual and $242.38 for a family of 4 after budget cuts. There are 873,803 (as of July 2013) persons that receive food stamp benefits in South Carolina. Households now receive an EBT card rather than food stamps. The EBT card is similar in looks to a debit card.
SNAP benefits can buy any food items including:
For more information:
Feeding America. SNAP: Facts, Myths, and Realities USDA SNAP Program Data USDA Characteristics of South Carolina SNAP households. Food Research and Action Center No Kid Hungry |
The Farm BillThe Farm Bill is a large piece of legislature that covers federal funding and policy concerning farm and food. The Farm Bill is Renewed every 5 years. The Farm Bill covers SNAP, TEFAP, Senior Farmers Markets, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, USDA snack program, Community food project grants, American Indian food distribution programs, among other grants, fellowships and programs.
House and Senate Budget Cuts With the 2009 Recovery Act ending on November 1st 2013, every SNAP households will have a cut in benefits. For families of 4 the cut will be $36 dollars a month. That is about 20 meals a month that a family will lose. For an individual the cut will be $11 a month. In addition to the November cut, the House cuts will total $40 billion over 10 years and Senate cut of $4 billion over 10 years. In 2014 850,000 households or 1.7 million people could lose SNAP. SNAP's nutrition education program will be cut by around $380 million. Tell Congress that you want to protect federal nutrition programs by going here. No Kid Hungry. |