By National Grocers Association (NGA) // March 25, 2020
SNAP Emergency Allotments Issues
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, signed into law by President Trump last week, provides emergency allotments to households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) up to the maximum monthly allotment per household. USDA is in the process of approving States’ requests to issue emergency allotments. On March 24th, USDA announced that several states have been approved, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Please see the chart below for the full list of State emergency allotment requests that have been approved, as well as the estimated amount of dollars and households that will receive the benefit. Individual State requests and approvals are being added to FNS’ COVID-19 webpage as they are finalized.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act also temporarily suspends the time limit for Able-bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD), or nationwide work requirements, that individuals would be required to meet to participate in the program. Additionally, at the request of State agencies, USDA may adjust issuance methods and schedules if the request is consistent with what is practicable under conditions in the affected area.
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CARES ACT Increases SNAP Funding by $15 Billion
On March 24th, Senate leadership came to an agreement on a third COVID-19 bill, an economic stimulus package called the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.” The legislation includes $15,810,000,000 in additional SNAP funding. The Senate plans to vote on the legislation today. Please stay tuned for more updates from NGA as we receive additional information from USDA about SNAP during COVID-19. Questions can be directed to Molly Pfaffenroth, NGA’s Director of Government Relations, at mpfaffenroth@nationalgrocers.org.
