SNAP enrollment numbers are falling, but the level of food insecurity across the country has increased, according to experts. If food insecurity is a growing concern, why aren’t more eligible Americans receiving food stamps ?
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According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, SNAP has “one of the most rigorous eligibility determination systems of any federal benefit program.”
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Last year, the end of a pandemic-era expansion of SNAP benefits combined with stricter eligibility requirements for the food assistance program resulted in a significant benefit cut and a substantial decrease in SNAP enrollment. In June, Congress authorized new work requirements, which increased the working age range of childless adults to 18-54 from 18-49 previously.
Citing data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nonprofit organization Feeding America reported in October last year that the number of people living in food-insecure households in 2022 increased to 44 million, including 13 million children. This is an increase of 31% for all individuals and 44% for children from the previous year.