Congress directed USDA to re-evaluate the Thrifty Food Plan based on “current food prices, food composition data, consumption patterns, and dietary guidance.” The 2021 TFP reflects the latest available data and is designed to meet the needs of low-income Americans in a cost-conscious way.
As a result of the Thrifty Food Plan re-evaluation, SNAP-participating households will receive an increase in benefits of , on average, $36 per person – or about $1.20 per day.
FNS intends to issue updated SNAP – Emergency Allotments guidance to provide benefits to certain eligible households, including those receiving SNAP benefits at the statutory maximum, that were previously deemed ineligible for emergency allotments by USDA.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 increases SNAP benefits by raising maximum allotments to 115 percent of the June 2020 value of the Thrifty Food Plan; effective from Jan. 1, 2021 until June 30, 2021.
The Food Plans represent a nutritious diet at four different cost levels.