Reports: Pandemic expansions of SNAP (food stamps) and child tax credit helped families' nutrition and well-being

"Temporary increases in federal aid during the Covid-19 pandemic had a 'highly positive impact on overall family well-being' and made it easier for low-income families to afford sufficient and healthy food, according to two reports released on Tuesday by Hunger Free America," Bridget Huber reports for Successful Farming. "But as these supports were gradually withdrawn, respondents reported skipping meals and struggling to feed their families." Rural families often struggle more when such expanded benefits are withdrawn.

The first report included the results of a survey of 800 low-income parents. Participants were asked how they were affected by temporary pandemic expansions of the Child Tax Credit and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (often called food stamps). "More than 90 percent of respondents said the extra SNAP benefits helped them buy enough food and make more healthy, nutritious choices. More than three-quarters said they used the extra benefits to buy more fresh produce and that the extra grocery money freed up funds to spend on rent, transportation or childcare," Huber reports. "Eight in 10 also said they favored having SNAP benefits increased so that people could afford healthier food rather than prohibiting purchases of certain foods with SNAP."

Though the Child Tax Credit isn't a nutrition program, 83% of respondents said the expanded benefit—which expired at the end of 2021—helped them get enough food or healthier food. "Extra SNAP benefits — called emergency allotments — remain in place across much of the country, though at least a dozen Republican-led states have effectively opted out of them," Huber reports. Some respondents said losing the expanded benefits has caused them extreme stress, and some said they skip meals so their children can eat.

The second report recounts the results of 60 in-depth interviews with people who received federal aid such as SNAP or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) before and after the pandemic. "Respondents said that expanded SNAP benefits let them buy healthier food and also lasted longer into the month. Many respondents with children said the extra aid was 'a relief' that let them pay for basic needs more easily. But a lack of reliable transportation remained a major barrier to getting food, particularly for people living outside major metropolitan areas," Huber reports. "Despite the increase in aid, respondents reported visiting food banks and food pantries more often during the pandemic, with 55% more respondents accessing emergency food during the first year of the pandemic than previously."

Also, many college students did not realize that they qualified for SNAP, despite temporary changes that made it easier for them, Huber reports. Those who did get the extra benefits during the pandemic said the funds, which averaged about $250, were nearly enough to cover food expenses with careful budgeting. Many respondents said they felt stigmatized for using federal aid such as SNAP benefits, and that grocery or farmers' market employees often disrespected their privacy.