Snap Benefits return to pre-pandemic levels. Families Struggle.

Since the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allotments ended at the end of February, the need has grown with ripple effects throughout Lorain County and beyond. In our region, there has been a significant drop in benefit amounts, coupled with high gas prices and inflation, families are feeling the impact. For the average senior citizen, benefits decreased on average from around $283 to $23. Across the board, the average drop was $170 up to $560 for a family.

SNAP benefits account for approximately $4 million spent monthly in Lorain County grocery stores and $6 million throughout our region. Changes to the program could result in economic shifts locally. SNAP benefits are spent on food, so farmers, processors, distributors, and retailers are supported. Every $1 in SNAP benefits has a multiplier effect of $1.90 in economic impact.

Second Harvest began preparing for the increased need and will continue to monitor the situation at each distribution. We are firmly committed to helping families who look to us for help while we look for long-term solutions for food insecurity.