Indiana’s Hunger Cliff – End of COVID-19’s SNAP Emergency Allotments
On March 3rd, 2022, Indiana ended its Public Health Emergency. This resulted in the termination of SNAP Emergency Allotments (EAs) which allowed all SNAP households to receive an additional $95 in benefits or receive the maximum benefit amount for their household size. These emergency allotments served to combat food insecurity in households and stimulate the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden cut to participants monthly SNAP benefits has been termed the “hunger cliff”. The cut in SNAP benefits affected more than 256,745 households in Indiana in 2022. Additionally, SNAP participants lost an average of $82 a month. The hunger cliff affected all age groups in all of Indiana. Older adults who only qualify for the minimum benefit experienced the steepest cliff, from $281 a month to $23.
The risk of becoming food insecure increases when money is limited or unavailable. In Indiana, 1 out of 9 Hoosiers do not know where they are going to find their next meal. Moreover, emergency food providers, like food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens, are struggling to fill this gap. It is crucial to mitigate the hunger cliff since it has health and economic impacts to individuals and our communities. SNAP secures food on the table for those who need it the most, which positively impacts their health and well-being. For every $5.00 in SNAP generates $9.00 in local economic activity. The food purchased puts money directly into farmers and distributors’ pockets so they can afford food for themselves and to upkeep their services.
Click here for a one-pager by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) detailing Indiana’s hunger cliff and WAYS TO TAKE ACTION!