Maryland Hunger Solutions Applauds Historic Increase in SNAP Benefits

Media Contact:
Brittani Riddle
202-640-1089 ext. 3039
briddle@frac.org

Statement attributable to Michael J. Wilson, director, Maryland Hunger Solutions

BALTIMORE, August 24, 2021 — Maryland Hunger Solutions applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its historic reevaluation to the Thrifty Food Plan, which is used to calculate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Maryland households that struggle against hunger will now have more purchasing power to put healthy food on the table.

Beginning October 1, 2021, the average SNAP benefit will increase by $36 per person, per month, or $1.19 per day.  The state of Maryland will see an overall increase of $349 million to be distributed to SNAP participants in Maryland in FY 2022.

Maryland Hunger Solutions salutes this policy change that will go a long way in improving the health, nutrition, and well-being of Maryland residents.

We strongly encourage the administration to continue making strides in reducing food insecurity including by making further improvements to the nutrition safety net. This is a tangible change that will improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of Marylanders and millions of Americans.

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Maryland Hunger Solutions works to end hunger and improve the nutrition, health, and well-being of children and families in Maryland.