SNAP Funding Will Remain Same for Fiscal Year 2010

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL – Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 cost of living adjustments that affected the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will remain unchanged for fiscal year 2010. This means that starting Oct. 1 the cost of living adjustments previously instated by ARRA will stay in effect for Oklahoma SNAP recipients.

The ARRA of 2009 (federal stimulus funds), increased SNAP benefits 13.6 percent, on April 1. That effort will continue to add an additional $7 million in the Oklahoma economy monthly and goes a long way toward providing additional help to needy families.

The SNAP enables low-income families to buy nutritious food. Families receiving SNAP benefits buy eligible food in authorized stores. The United States Department of Agriculture funds the SNAP; no state funds are required. The USDA determines the amount of SNAP benefits an individual or family may receive through the Thrifty Food Plan, which estimates how much it costs to buy food and prepare nutritious, low-cost meals for a household. This estimate changes every year to keep up with changing food prices.

SNAP eligibility depends on the amount of income available to the household. Able-bodied adults without dependents between the ages of 18 and 50 must be exempt or comply with specific work requirements. OKDHS social services specialists in county human services centers process SNAP applications according to specific USDA requirements. Persons needing help with food or other social services needs should contact the OKDHS Center in their community.

###