On a January 22nd release, the USDA announced that in accordance with Congressional authority the Department will increase pandemic-EBT benefits by 15 percent.  The USDA is working with the Department of Justice to provide states with additional SNAP benefits through emergency allotments to low-income households.

In accordance with the COVID Relief Package the USDA is encouraging State authorities to be flexible with regard to facilitating households to obtain benefits established under the "Families First Coronavirus Response Act".  It is estimated that 30 million adults and 15 million children are impacted by food insecurity.  Increased SNAP benefits should reduce the poverty rate and ameliorate child hunger especially in minority households.