SNAP boosts kept millions out of poverty during Covid. Now they’re gone.
“While food prices remain stubbornly high due to inflation, a program expansion that has served as a life raft since the early days of the pandemic has ended, leaving people scrambling to fill the gap left behind. The program, which had increased benefits offered under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helped millions avoid serious food insecurity despite pandemic-related job cuts, school closures, and other crises. SNAP boosts ended Wednesday as part of the government’s wind-down of Covid-19 federal assistance programs, returning benefits close to levels seen near the start of the pandemic. At 6.4 percent, inflation is still high, affecting the most basic necessities.”