New York, Dec. 20. More than 2.8 million New York State residents are recipients of the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the largest in the United States, and this month they will see an increase in their monthly benefits to meet the increase in commodity prices the country is facing, Governor Kathy Hochul said today.
Each participant will receive a $95 increase in food purchases in December, even those already receiving the maximum benefit, Hochul said in a statement, and he stressed that this additional allocation will cost $234 million in funds. federal.
He indicated that this program, overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) in this state, has continued to help families during the pandemic and is now doing so due to the impact of global inflation.
“The $234 million for SNAP will provide relief to New Yorkers in need during the holiday season and cold winter months,” he added.
OTDA began issuing emergency supplemental benefits in April 2020, targeted at SNAP families receiving less than the maximum monthly benefit amount.
When the state’s declaration of emergency due to the pandemic expired in June 2021, the agency worked with the federal government to ensure maximum funding for all families enrolled in the program through February.
“These additional food benefits are welcome relief for countless families and individuals in the state. We will continue to look for ways to maximize federal dollars to reduce food insecurity,” said OTDA Director Daniel W. Tietz. EFE extension
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