Currently, SNAP recipients in the state receive a minimum of $23 a month to help with essential food expenses. However, a new bill seeks to establish a state program that would significantly increase this amount.
Senate Bill S7663 and Assembly Bill A6214A propose the creation of a "statewide SNAP minimum benefit program." This program would provide households receiving SNAP with an additional benefit equal to the difference between the federal monthly benefit and $95. With approximately 2.8 million people receiving SNAP in New York, this measure is expected to provide relief and support to the state's most vulnerable families.
The bills come on the heels of the end of emergency SNAP payments during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2023, leaving recipients struggling to meet food needs at a time of high food prices due to inflation. With about 1.7 million people claiming SNAP in New York City alone in February 2023, the impact of this proposal would be significant, especially for those facing food insecurity in the state.
"This crisis has not abated since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is only growing exponentially. That's why I introduced A6214A to increase the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program minimum benefit to $100 because no one should go hungry in a state as abundant. in resources as New York."
He continued, "We know that every SNAP dollar we take away from the federal government provides between $1.50 and $1.80 in local economic benefits and that SNAP makes up a good percentage of grocery store sales. This bill will help us address hunger in New York and "It's smart fiscal policy, and I urge our legislature and Governor [Kathy] Hochul to include it in our enacted state budget."
According to an SI Live report, food purveyors in New York have endorsed the bill, including Tops Friendly Markets and Price Chopper/Market31, both of which are based in New York state and have more than 200 stores.
Writing in a letter to Hochul, they said, "In March 2023, households experienced an average loss of $151 per month when SNAP Emergency Allowances (EA) ended. Some New Yorkers saw their benefits drop to just $23 per month, the current SNAP minimum. benefit. By increasing vital nutrition assistance for low-income New Yorkers, this proposal would establish an adequate monthly benefit."
New York is one of 44 states that received a letter from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack about concerns over SNAP administration and delivery times. Newsweek previously reported on lengthy delays for benefit recipients in some states, leaving vulnerable families struggling to meet basic needs.