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SNAP and the Thrifty Food Plan

SNAP benefit amounts are updated each year based on the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan in June and take effect on Oct. 1. The Thrifty Food Plan is the cost of groceries needed to provide a healthy, budget-conscious diet for a family of four.

USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food Reports (monthly reports)

The USDA food plans represent a healthy diet at four different cost levels. Each food plan specifies quantities of food and beverage categories that can be purchased and prepared to make healthy meals and snacks at home.

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USDA Tackles Food Insecurity, Expands Program Access

FNS today reflected on its efforts over the past year to ensure households across the country have access to a nutritious diet. Throughout the first year of the Biden-Harris Administration, FNS bolstered its nutrition assistance programs through a wide range of administrative actions and with the unprecedented $12 billion investment in food assistance provided by the American Rescue Plan Act.

Thrifty Food Plan - 2021

The Thrifty Food Plan, 2021 was released on August 16, 2021. The TFP represents the cost of a nutritious, practical, cost-effective diet.

TEFAP - Thrifty Food Plan Adjustment of TEFAP Funding

Based on USDA’s re-evaluation, the Thrifty Food Plan is increasing by 21% and total national FY 2022 TEFAP entitlement food funding will increase by an estimated $57.75 million. We will be sharing additional details and final numbers after the budget is finalized.

USDA Modernizes the Thrifty Food Plan, Updates SNAP Benefits
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USDA Modernizes the Thrifty Food Plan, Updates SNAP Benefits

USDA today released a re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, used to calculate SNAP benefits. As a result, the average SNAP benefit – excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief – will increase for fiscal year 2022 beginning on Oct. 1, 2021.

The Thrifty Food Plan Re-Evaluation

Congress directed USDA to re-evaluate the Thrifty Food Plan based on “current food prices, food composition data, consumption patterns, and dietary guidance.”  The 2021 TFP reflects the latest available data and is designed to meet the needs of low-income Americans in a cost-conscious way.

Estimated Increase in SNAP Benefits - FY 2022

As a result of the Thrifty Food Plan re-evaluation, SNAP-participating households will receive an increase in benefits of , on average, $36 per person – or about $1.20 per day.

Cost of Food Report

USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food

The Thrifty Food Plan, 2021 was released on August 16, 2021. The TFP represents the cost of a nutritious, practical, cost-effective diet. 

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