What is the Thrifty Food Plan?
The Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) is the cost of groceries needed to provide a healthy, budget-conscious diet for a family of four. The amount of SNAP benefits is determined by the TFP. USDA recently updated the Thrifty Food Plan for the first time since 1975. This new revision is crucial as it now meets current dietary guidelines and is a step forward to increasing food security.
When will this increase happen and for how much?
Starting in October, maximum SNAP benefit amounts (excluding E-SNAP and the 15% increase) will be 21 percent higher. Most SNAP households will see an increase in their benefits of $12-$16 per person per month. The exact amount for individual households may be different. Counties will automatically make these changes for all SNAP households.
What about the 15% increase?
In January 2021, Congress passed a temporary 15% increase in SNAP benefits. This increase was originally for six months from January 1, 2021, through June 30, 2021, but was extended until September 30, 2021.
What does this mean for SNAP households?
The 15% increase ends the day before the new Thrifty Food Plan calculations go into effect. The Thrifty Food Plan benefits increase is a little larger (21%) than the 15% increase that had been happening. That means that overall households will see a slight increase in their monthly benefits starting with their October payment.
Is there also a change to the income limit?
Yes, there is a slight increase in the monthly income amount. Below is the updated monthly income:
What about E-SNAP?
As of right now, we do not know when E-SNAP will end in Minnesota. As long as there is a declaration of a peacetime emergency from both the state (by the Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner of Human Services) and the federal (by the Secretary of Health and Human Services) governments, Minnesota SNAP participants will continue to get E-SNAP payments.
How do I figure out if I am eligible for SNAP or how much I should be getting?
We have a handy SNAP screening tool that can help you figure out if you are eligible for SNAP and approximately how much you should expect to receive in SNAP.
Do you have more questions or need more food help?
Contact the Minnesota Food HelpLine by calling or texting 888-711-1151, use the chat feature, or fill out this form.
