As reported by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the projected average SNAP benefit for 2024 is $189 per month, which breaks down to about $6.20 per day.
SNAP payments are adjusted annually to accommodate changes in the cost of living.
These increases are somewhat helpful, but they usually fall short of fully covering the cost of a meal.
Every year, the US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service makes adjustments to SNAP maximum allotments to account for the cost of living.
This adjustment is commonly referred to as a COLA, representing the funds required to sustain a basic standard of living.
Meanwhile, according to a report from The Washington Post, grocery prices have surged by 25% in the past four years, surpassing the overall inflation rate of 19% during the same time frame.
Optimizing SNAP Funds: Strategic Tips
Here are several effective strategies to maximize the value of your food stamps and stretch your SNAP dollars.
Stocking Staples
Bon Appétit enlisted the help of a 24-year-old student residing in San Francisco to provide insights into their weekly EBT spending.
As mentioned in a previous article, the student prioritized essential food items such as bread, rice, pasta, and nut butters to make the most of their nutritional value and effectively plan meals for the upcoming week.
Their total for the week amounted to $59.62, with $51.62 being covered by EBT.
Shop Local: Farmers Market Visit
Utilize your EBT card to receive double the quantity of fruits and vegetables at your local farmers market without incurring additional expenses, courtesy of the Double Up Food Bucks initiative.
Utilize the USDA’s Local Food Directory to locate a nearby farmers market.
Weekly Shopping Routine
According to previous advice from experts, it is recommended to designate a single day each week for shopping.
This approach enables you to organize meals based on weekly sale offerings.
For instance, Wednesday is highlighted as the optimal shopping day at Kroger for availing buy one/get one deals as well as discounts on produce, meat, pantry essentials, and snacks, as reported by The Daily Meal.
Integrate Coupons with SNAP Benefits
Merge manufacturer or store coupons and discounts with your EBT purchases to effectively reduce expenses.
It is important to acknowledge that in states where food items are subject to taxation, the associated tax must be paid using a payment method other than EBT.
Utilize Local Food Pantries
In instances where your SNAP benefits may fall short, consider supplementing your monthly grocery budget by accessing food resources available at local food pantries.
As practices and procedures may vary among different food pantries, it is advisable to refer to their respective websites or contact them directly to ascertain their operational hours and procedures prior to visiting.
Save EBT for Future Needs
While SNAP benefits possess a limited duration, there is no requirement to exhaust all benefits within the month of receipt.
As outlined by the National Council on Aging, unused SNAP benefits retain validity for a period of nine months before expiration.