Federal SNAP Benefit Reduction – Background and FAQs – October 1, 2024

Posted on Sep 30, 2024 in Featured, Main

Federal SNAP Benefit Reduction – Background and FAQs – October 1, 2024

Background: 

  • The federal U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) adjusted the Thrifty Food Plan for Hawaii effective last October. As a result, SNAP benefits in Hawaii decreased last year by an average $7-8 per person, and will further decrease effective October 1, 2024, by an average $8-9 per person. 
  • This decrease is the second consecutive annual decrease in SNAP benefits for Hawaii recipients. 
  • The changes to the Thrifty Food Plan impacts SNAP benefits in Hawaii because by law, the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan sets the maximum SNAP benefit amount for a household of four people. 
  • The estimated impact to Hawaii households receiving SNAP will be significant…
    • For FY24, the reduction of maximum benefit for a household of 1 will be $10 dollars – a reduction from $527 per month to $517 per month. The reduction for a household of 4 would be $36 per month – a reduction from $1,759 to $1,723 per month (a reduction of $9.00 per member of the household).

Table Showing the Maximum SNAP Allotment for Hawaii for FFY23, FFY24, and FFY25

What is the Thrifty Food Plan?
The Thrifty Food Plan is one of four food plans USDA develops that estimates the cost of a healthy diet across various price points – the Thrifty, Low-Cost, Moderate-Cost and Liberal Food Plans. The Thrifty Food Plan is the lowest cost of the four. It represents a nutritious, practical, cost-effective diet prepared at home for a “reference” family, which is defined in law as an adult male and female, ages 20-50, and two children, ages 6-8 and 9-11.

How is the Thrifty Food Plan determined?
The federal USDA calculates the Thrifty Food Plan using a mathematical model, or equation, based on the cost of food, the nutrients in food, nutrition guidance, and what Americans eat.  DHS’ understanding is the Thrifty Food Plan was based on a review of a select number of retail locations on island of Oahu.

Why did SNAP benefits for Hawaii change?
The federal USDA updated the Thrifty Food Plan in 2021.  However, when the 2021 adjustments were made, USDA did not do a detailed study of the food costs in Hawaii and Alaska, and USDA made adjustments for Hawaii and Alaska that were equivalent to those made for the contiguous U.S. states.

More recently, USDA conducted a study of food costs in Hawaii and Alaska more accurately make regional adjustments to the Thrifty Food Plan.  Unfortunately, the recent study resulted in a downward adjustment to costs for Hawaii beginning last year in Federal Fiscal Year 2024 (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024).

What action could an impacted household take to adjust for SNAP benefits that are reduced?
Households could provide information about their monthly expenses – such as rent, utility costs, and medical expenses – which may result in adjustments to the SNAP benefit amount.  For example, seniors age 60 and over, or people with disabilities, can report out of pocket medical expenses.

What are some examples of monthly expenses that may be reported to DHS?

Examples of expenses that may be reported include:

  • Shelter Expenses, such as:
    • Rent
    • Mortgage and/or 2nd Mortgage
    • Homeowner’s Insurance
    • Garbage, Sewer, Trash Collection Fees
    • Utilities (e.g., electric, gas, water, telephone) and Utility Installation Fees
    • Car Payment and Car Insurance (if car is used as a home)
    • Boat Slip (if boat is used as a home)
    • Property Tax Assessment
  • Alimony/Child Support Expenses
  • Dependent Care Expenses (e.g., Child Care, or care for a disabled adult)
  • Medical Expenses for household members who are disabled or age 60 and older, such as:
    • Medicare premiums
    • Health and hospitalization insurance premiums
    • Prescription drugs
    • Doctor and dental bills
    • Medical transportation costs
    • Glasses, dentures, and hearing aids
    • Nurse or attendance care worker services 

What other resources are available for Hawaii families needing assistance with food?
Households may contact the following resources for food assistance:

  • DA BUX
    The DA BUX access card provides SNAP recipients with 50% discounts on select locally grown produce at grocery stores and participating food hubs.
  • WIC
    WIC (Women, Infants and Children program) provides healthy food at no cost to pregnant individuals, new moms, infants, and kids under 5 who are struggling to afford food. Dads, grandparents, and other caregivers can apply for WIC for children in their care. Working families and non-U.S. citizens can qualify, too.
  • Free and Reduced-Price School Meals
    The free and reduced-price school meals program provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to keiki each school day at public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions.
  • SUN Bucks
    SUN Bucks helps families with children buy groceries during the summer. SUN Bucks is generally for school-aged children in households with incomes that would qualify them for free or reduced-price school meals.
  • SNAP Outreach Providers
    DHS contracts eight different nonprofits throughout the State to conduct outreach to households eligible for SNAP benefits, and to provide assistance with referrals to food resources in the community.
  • Aloha United Way 2-1-1
    Aloha United Way is a SNAP outreach provider, and also maintains a database that can provide referrals to other helpful food resources in your community.

Please click on the links below for a flyer in English and other languages on how to connect with DHS regarding SNAP and any questions you may have.