FRAC Chat

Millions of people with low incomes in the U.S. are experiencing a hunger cliff since temporary increases in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during COVID-19 ended in early 2023. This resulted in benefits averaging a mere $6 a person a day. The impact of the end of the SNAP Emergency Allotments has been felt deeply not just by households but by grocers as well.

An all time-high of 60 percent of SNAP participants surveyed by Propel in June 2023, reported not having the household essentials they typically need. Participants reported being forced to choose between buying food or paying for rent and utility and other bills. The survey also found that Black respondents were more likely to be behind on rent and utility payments than White and Latinx respondents. 

Anti-hunger advocates can be vital players in addressing disproportionately high rates of food insecurity and economic insecurity among LGBTQIA+ individuals and families by strengthening access to federal nutrition programs and by championing the Equality Act, landmark federal legislation to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) recently released the Large School District Report: Operating School Nutrition Programs as the Nation Recovers From the Pandemic. FRAC’s report details school meals participation and operations in 91 school districts across 40 states and the District of Columbia in April 2022 and October 2022. Combined, the districts include 10,748 schools and have an enrollment of 6.52 million students.

The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Program was permanently expanded in December 2022. In early June, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) released initial guidance on state implementation of the program and requested that stakeholders submit feedback to inform the interim rulemaking. Input is still requested as guidance was just issued this month. The guidance covers four areas of Summer EBT implementation: Program Administration, Benefit Funds, Summer EBT State Administrative Funds and Other Potential Sources, and State Agreement and Management and Administration Plans. The guidance also provides high-level details that states can use to prepare for Summer EBT implementation.

For students in most states, the 2022–2023 school year marked the return to pre-pandemic school nutrition operations, including a return to assigning students to free, reduced-price, and paid meal categories based on their household income.
All children need to be hunger-free to have the energy and focus they need to get the most out of their school day. Please reach out to your Members of Congress and ask them to cosponsor these important bills. We cannot go another school year without free school meals for all students.