Statement attributed to Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, Chief Executive Officer
“Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief charity, applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) update to the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP), which will result in a long-overdue and largest-ever increase in benefit levels for people participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Modernizing SNAP to reflect rising food prices and the actual costs to feed a family in the 21st century will help millions of families afford a healthy, nutritious diet. Recent polling by Feeding America found that the public strongly favors this type of update, with 78 percent of respondents agreeing that SNAP benefits should be modernized.*
“Before today’s update, Thrifty Food Plan was based on old nutritional standards, food preparation costs, and other assumptions first developed in 1975. The outdated calculation allotted only $1.40 per person per meal – falling far short of what families actually need to put food on the table. The Feeding America network of 200 food banks and 60,000 partner pantries and meal programs across the country see firsthand the impact of an outdated Thrifty Food Plan on our communities. When families are unable to stretch their SNAP dollars to meet their family’s needs, they turn to our food bank network to fill the gap. Improving food security for millions of families requires a modern federal nutrition program that reflects the real nutritional needs and food preparation of a family today.
“SNAP is America’s first line of defense against hunger. We at Feeding America believe that continued improvement to SNAP is critical to achieving food security for our nation. Feeding America projects that, due to the pandemic, 42 million people may be food insecure this year, including 13 million children. Among the people who participate in SNAP, two-thirds are children, seniors, and people living with disabilities. This modernization helps ensure that all people will have a better chance of getting the nutrition they need to thrive. Feeding America looks forward to continuing to work with the USDA and Congress to help every family struggling to put food on their table.”
*Based on a poll of 1,357 registered voters conducted from February-March 2021.
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About Feeding America
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country ensuring everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.