Food Stamps are a critical tool in helping to keep our most vulnerable residents from going hungry, and we are very pleased to report that the Biden Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have approved a significant and permanent increase in the amount of food stamp assistance available to families in need.

The pandemic further confirmed what activists have been saying all along: inadequate assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) forced many households to simply go hungry as the funds dwindled toward the end of the month.

Starting in October, SNAP benefits will rise an average of 25 percent—a permanent change that will benefit our nation's 42 million SNAP beneficiaries. 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, beginning October 1, 2021.

This additional assistance will help individuals and families maintain a healthy diet and keep food on the table both during and after these uncertain times.

Click here to learn more about Connecticut's SNAP program, including information on how to apply for food assistance.