SNAP Benefit Modernization: Historical Context and Community Stories

Historic updates were made in 2021 to the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP), which is used to set the monthly benefits for households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The updates were intended to more accurately reflect the cost of a healthy, nutritious diet, given modern realities and new research. A year later, have the changes better aligned SNAP benefit levels with the program's mission of increasing food security and reducing hunger? Do the changes account for culturally appropriate market baskets, realistic time expectations for shopping and meal preparation, and transportation and food access challenges? This panel discussion features a robust and diverse panel of RDNs who will describe recent revisions to the TFP, share how modernization of SNAP benefits has impacted the communities that they work in, and propose additional SNAP strategies and policies to ensure equitable access to nutritious foods for low-income Americans.

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1.5

Performance Indicators

• 12.1.1 Advocates for and promotes food and nutrition programs and resources to address issues of food insecurity, nutritional health and overall health and wellness.
• 3.2.7 Contributes to the development and revision of government policies.
• 12.3.3 Takes into consideration any population and environmental disparities (e.g., sickness and disease, food and water access finances, air and water quality, ) when developing programs.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the recent modernization of the Thrifty Food Plan and its potential impact on food security and hunger in low-income communities
• Examine challenges to food security, good nutrition, and overall health and wellness through a cultural humility lens
• Recommend strategies and policies that support individual and household economic stability and food security

Moderator

• Matthew J. Landry, PhD, RDN, LDN

Speakers

• Heather Hartline-Grafton, DrPH, RD
• Teresa Jackson, MS, RDN, LD
• Avtar Nijjer-Sidhu, PhD, MS, RD