Millions of Americans fear a "hunger cliff," as the food stamp assistance cut started in 32 states.
The US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) statistics estimated that more than 30 million individuals in those states participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and would be affected by the reduction, according to a CBS report. California and Texas, with 5.1 million and 3.6 million SNAP beneficiaries, respectively, experience SNAP benefits cuts.
Emergency allotments, which boosted food stamp benefits at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, ended on March 1, causing the SNAP benefits cut.
Despite the United States improved economic standing compared to 2020, many families still need help affording food. Experts believe implementing the SNAP benefits cut is challenging as the expiration of the increased benefits coincides with a spike in US consumer debt, with roughly 25 million people in the US being late on personal loans, credit card, and auto loan obligations-- the largest figure since 2009. Moreover, 20.5 million Americans are currently behind on utility payments.
In recent months, low-wage US employees, who earn below $20 an hour, have seen lower pay growth than other laborers, per a report from The Guardian.
Furthermore, food costs are likely to climb further this year. In February 2023, food prices were 9.5% higher than in February 2022, according to the USDA.
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Huge Impact on the US Elderly
Ellen Vollinger, SNAP director at the Food Research & Action Center SNAP, an organization campaigning against hunger, remarked in February that the "vast majority" of US states would have SNAP benefits cut by around $82, a "stunning number" that would push people to a "hunger cliff."
Older persons at the minimal benefit level will see their monthly SNAP benefit cut from $281 to $23. Moreover, the COVID-19 federal public health emergency (PHE) will expire on May 11, 2023. Able Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) and students at universities will be adversely affected, according to the Food Research & Action Center's website.
Research indicates that SNAP benefits have worked. The Urban Institute reported that additional assistance saved 4.2 million Americans from poverty in the final quarter of 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It also lowered poverty and child poverty by 9.6% and 14%, respectively, in states with food stamp benefits.
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