Food Stamp Inflation Adjustment Lags, Resulting in Inadequate Benefits

Publication Date: July 2008

Publisher: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Dorothy Rosenbaum

Research Area: Social conditions

Keywords: Economic projections; Income diversity; Household income; Food costs

Type: Report

Abstract:

The economic slowdown has coincided with a sharp increase in food prices, exacerbating hardship for many low-income families also facing high gas prices.  Unfortunately, during periods of rapid food inflation, the Food Stamp Program’s current inflation adjustment rules do not ensure that needy families and individuals receive sufficient support to obtain a nutritionally adequate diet.