SNAP benefits will be reduced effective Nov. 1

    AUGUSTA — The expiration of the federal stimulus package, which temporarily increased funding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),

will reduce the monthly benefit provided through the Food Supplement program to all recipients beginning Nov. 1.
    The SNAP benefit was temporarily increased in 2009 with the passage of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, often referred to as the stimulus package. The temporary increase expires on Nov. 1 and all SNAP recipients will see a reduction.
    SNAP, a federal program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is fully funded by the federal government and administered by the state. In Maine, more than $30 million in SNAP benefits are distributed each month.
    Adding confusion to this benefit decrease is that in October, many SNAP recipients will actually see a small increase in benefits due to the annual cost of living adjustment.
    The Office for Family Independence is sending notifications to the more than 132,000 households that currently receive SNAP benefits to explain the changes.
    “Due to the ARRA sunset, states must adjust all SNAP allotments twice this year – Oct. 1 and again on Nov. 1,” wrote Bonnie Brathwaite, Director of the USDA’s Northeast Region of SNAP. “Because these are statutory provisions, they cannot be waived or consolidated into one effective date.”
    The reduction in benefits will range from $1 a month for those who receive the minimum monthly benefit, to an average of 5 percent for those who receive the maximum benefit. In Maine, the average monthly benefit for a family of four is $351.
    OFI has notified all SNAP recipients of the changes, and another mailing will follow in mid-October that will tell members the exact amount of the reduction beginning Nov. 1.
    Those who need emergency food should visit either dial 211 or go to www.211maine.org to locate the nearest food pantry or food distribution site.