With the end of emergency pandemic aid, monthly government spending on SNAP has fallen by more than 25 percent, to an average of $7.9 billion, said the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities on Thursday. “SNAP households received at least $95 less per month following the end of [emergency allotments], though many households experienced even greater reductions,” said the think tank.
“At a time when SNAP spending is falling and families are coping with high food costs, further cuts to SNAP would drive up poverty and exacerbate food insecurity and hunger,” it said in calling for Congress to strengthen the program.
SNAP accounts for the bulk of spending in the farm bill and is a routine target for conservative lawmakers. At latest count, 41.8 million people were enrolled in SNAP, with benefits of nearly $180 per person, per month.