SNAP Benefits 2022: Expert Concerned Food Assistance Program in Texas Might End in Summer

Local food experts are worried about the additional SNAP benefits enacted during the start of April might last only until end of summer, leaving thousands of families hungry in Texas.

Around 20 percent of people in Bexar County in Texas live in poverty. Those families rely on SNAP benefits 2022 and food banks to make up the difference when getting their food supplies, according to an ABC 7 Amarillo News report.

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commission has extended the SNAP benefits this month, which was started during the onset of the pandemic.

The $318 million keep Texas residents from going hungry. The emergency allotments allow SNAP households to receive at least $95 extra, which should be deposited in their accounts before the end of the month of April.

Eric Cooper, CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, expressed concerns that the added benefits could end during the summer when families need them the most.

SNAP Benefits 2022 Extension in Texas

SNAP benefits in Texas provides a minimum of extra $95 to those who apply for it, according to a KGNS.TV News report.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the program will continue through the month of April on Friday.

One resident, Elvia Salinas, said her daughter benefits from SNAP, adding that with the emergency aid, her daughter has enough food in their home.

Salinas said that her daughter benefits from it as she can feed all of her children and help her cook all those meals.

Many residents, such as Maria and Ruben Ledezma, said that they are thankful for the extension and that many are depending on it.

Maria then questioned why the state is only doing it until April. She said that it would be good that they leave it as there is a lot of poverty.

SNAP Benefits Texas

Texas continues to be one of the hungriest states in the United States despite having record-low unemployment rates.

The SNAP benefits program is formerly known as food stamps and are the first response to feeding 3.7 million low-income Texans who rely on it to help their families.

More than 2.4 million Texas children receive SNAP benefits, according to an Every Texan website.

Six percent of White Texas families rely on SNAP benefits, while 20 percent of all Black and Hispanic families in Texas depend on SNAP benefits.

Texas residents who use SNAP benefits receive the allotment monthly on the Lone Star Card or an Electronic Benefits Transfer card.

It can be used to buy food items, such as fruits, vegetables, flour, meat, fish, and dairy product at supermarkets, grocery stores, farmers' markets, and convenience stores.

The number of SNAP benefits varies according to family size and income. However, it is not adjusted for local differences in the cost of living.

The program is implemented in a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, while the federal and state governments share the administrative costs.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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