Pandemic-era SNAP benefits expire

Key Takeaways

On March 1, the temporary boost to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits known as emergency allotments came to an end. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, these increased monthly benefits were authorized in 2020 by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA, P.L. 116-127) and provided vulnerable households with additional grocery benefits to help mitigate the negative economic impacts caused by the pandemic. While these benefits were originally slated to end alongside the Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, the recently passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (P.L. 117-328) included language to accelerate the expiration of emergency allotments to allow permanent nationwide funding for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program, which provides families whose children are eligible for free and reduced-price school meals with grocery benefits during the summer months.

The expiration of emergency allotments—which were still active in 32 states—will mean an immediate decrease in benefits for nearly all of SNAP’s 41.5 million participants, with the average decrease per household amounting to $82 per month. Combined with the impacts of high inflation on food prices, many low-income county residents may see increased of hunger and food insecurity as they transition back to pre-COVID benefit levels. The expiration of the emergency benefits may increase demand for federal, state and local safety-net resources, including those funded by county governments.

Counties play a crucial role in the provision of human services to their residents, including nutrition assistance programs. Counties administer SNAP benefits in ten states accounting for 31 percent of total program participants: California, Colorado, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin. Counties operating SNAP often contribute significant levels of local funds to meet the administrative and supplemental costs of running the program.

NACo will continue to monitor administrative changes to the SNAP program over the coming months as Congress negotiates the reauthorization of the 2023 Farm Bill. That process offers an opportunity for counties to advance our priorities for strengthening the SNAP program to ensure that all county residents have access to affordable and nutritious food that they need to be healthy and thrive.

Additional Resources

• NACo Blog: USDA releases new state guidance on Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer plans for summer 2023
• Primer for Counties: 2023 Farm Bill Reauthorization
• Policy Brief: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Reauthorization and Appropriations
• NACo Blog: USDA releases annual food security report highlighting ongoing importance of federal nutrition programs