(NAFB) – The Department of Agriculture Monday released a re-evaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, used to calculate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits.

As a result, the average SNAP benefit – excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief – will increase more than 20 percent for Fiscal Year 2022. As directed by Congress in the 2018 Farm Bill, and with the expressed support of President Biden’s January 22 Executive Order – USDA conducted a review of the Thrifty Food Plan. The resulting cost adjustment is the first time the purchasing power of the plan has changed since it was first introduced in 1975, reflecting notable shifts in the food marketplace and consumers’ circumstances.

The evaluation concluded that the cost of a nutritious, practical, cost-effective diet is 21 percent higher than the current Thrifty Food Plan. As a result, the average SNAP benefit, excluding additional funds provided as part of pandemic relief, will increase by $36.24 per person, per month.