SNAP Benefits Ending! 8 Food Programs for Children You Can Avail

The temporary emergency allotments of SNAP benefits are ending, sending several families looking for additional help that they can use to extend their SNAP benefits.

The emergency allotments of SNAP benefits ended after Congress enacted a bill that stopped the funding for the temporary emergency allotments, which would mean that SNAP benefits will average only about $6.19 per person per day in 2023.

Anti-hunger advocates predicted that the changes will not only affect low-income households, but also the communities they live in.

Christina Wong, public policy and advocacy director for Northwest Harvest, said that the removed emergency allotments are money that "generates economic activity" in their local food systems.

Wong is an advocacy head for a network of food banks and meal programs in Washington state.

A mother of four in Philadelphia, Tianna Gaines-Turner, told The Guardian that she was disappointed by expected the cut of emergency allotments.

Gaines-Turner added that "everything that helps people in need is on the chopping block."

There are certain nutrition programs that your child can participate in if you are having a problem making do with the decreased SNAP benefits.

Child Nutrition Programs

One of the most well-known nutrition programs for children is the National School Lunch Program, which is a federally-assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential childcare institutions.

Around 1.7 million children participated in the National School Lunch program in its first year, with the program reaching 30.4 million children in 2016.

Low-income children are eligible to receive reduced prices or free meals at schools, especially if they are in households with incomes below 130% of the poverty level.

Summer Food Service Programs

Parents might be worrying about where to get the budget for meals once the children are out of school.

The issue is addressed by the Summer Food Service Program, which ensures that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session.

Children and teens aged 18 and younger can participate in the program. Usually, the state agencies, sponsors, and sites are the main players in the program.

School Breakfast Program

In public and non-profit private schools, including residential childcare institutions, the Department of Agriculture implements a federally assisted meal program known as The School Breakfast Program.

It was launched as a pilot project, which was eventually made a permanent entitlement program by Congress in 1975.

Children may be determined "categorically eligible" for free meals through participation in certain Federal Assistance Programs, such as SNAP benefits.

It can also be based on their status as a homeless, migrant, runaway, or foster child.

Free or reduced-price meals for children based on their household income and size.

Those from families with income between 130% and 185% of the federal poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals.

Schools that participate in nutrition programs are trained and provided technical assistance through the Food and Nutrition service's Team Nutrition efforts.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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