Do you think inflation is a contributing factor to the destigmatization of EBT Food Stamp? Everyone in 2022 is feeling the effects of inflation to varying degrees.
Most of us are affected by the rising cost of food, gas, and rent prices, to name a few. For decades, food stamps, now known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program), have been tainted with negative connotations.
Furthermore, many people are hesitant to participate in the food program because of their pride and fear of being associated with the stereotypes.
If you have never heard of SNAP, this blog will explain what is program and how you may qualify for the United States two major Food and nutrition programs.
Food Insecurity
SNAP food benefits is a federally funded government program that has been associated with poverty or the poorer class residents.
The stigmas have negatively influenced how people perceive the program and have swayed people who qualified for the program from applying.
With the rising cost of food over the last 5 years, particularly due to this year’s rise in inflation, there has been a shift toward the destigmatization and acceptance of EBT food stamps.
People who looked down on the program are now trying to find refuge in providing food for their families.
SNAP food benefits are a lifeline for many low-income families and the unemployed in order to provide food for their families.
The application process requires proof of income and expenses for each member of the household.
If you are determined to be eligible for the program, you will be issued a SNAP card bearing your name and a unique qualifier number. You generate a four-digit pin, similar to that of a debit card.
What is the EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) Card?
The EBT card looks like a debit card. Money is added monthly for the purchase of grocery food items.
Moreover, the amount of money received on a card depends on how many people live in the household and share the same income and the amount of income in the said household.
In my opinion, the SNAP Program plays a crucial role in the United States Economy. It generates income for the 254, 500 supermarkets, grocery stores, or any other retailers that accept the SNAP EBT Card across the United States.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities New York residents account for about 2,780,700 of the 41,500,000 SNAP participants in the United States (US) today.
On the contrary, the Kids Count Data Center reports a gradual decline in SNAP program participation between 2013 to 2019.
However, when the pandemic struck in 2020, there was a significant increase in SNAP enrollment from 35.7 million in 2019 to nearly 40 million.
The number of people applying to the program is expected to exceed 41.5 million by the end of 2021. I’m not sure about the data as of May 2022, but I am sure they have grown.
Destigmatization of SNAP EBT Food Stamps Benefit
I believe that this increase in SNAP enrollment is clear evidence that the Covid-19 pandemic’s rise in inflation is one of the factors that contribute to the destigmatization of the SNAP program.
People are swallowing their pride and applying for food stamps in greater numbers. Furthermore, people may have become desperate for assistance in order to feed their families.
Whatever the reason, people across the country recognize that the program is for all tax-paying citizens, regardless of race, color, or socioeconomic status. status, who may have fallen on hard times and require assistance to put food on their table.
Do You Qualify For EBT SNAP Food Stamps?
More people are turning to SNAP to help put food on their families’ tables. Many people have been laid off and are now eligible for the program.
In addition, to be eligible for the program, you must meet a number of requirements. Visit the SNAP website and learn more about how you might qualify for the program. Click HERE.
Are You A Qualifying WIC?
If you are pregnant, have recently given birth, or have a child between the ages of one and five, you may be eligible for the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program.
You may be able to obtain specific food benefits such as formula, cow’s or soy milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal, fruit juices, and whole-grain bread/pasta/rice/tortilla.
These benefits are loaded onto an eWIC Benefit Card, which functions similarly to a debit card. This card can be used at your local supermarket or grocery store in your state to purchase these foods.
You may use The WIC Prescreening Tool to determine whether or not you qualify for the program. To learn more about the program and locate a WIC agency near you, click HERE.
An address and contact number will connect you to a WIC staff member who will assess your eligibility for the WIC Program.
Read about my journey in nutrition to learn how you can begin a career in nutrition and dietetics.
My final thoughts: Despite the many associated stereotypes, Food Stamps plays a very important role in the US economy.
Immigrants from all over the world most often have a greater appreciation for social programs such as SNAP. Moreover, many people see it as a blessing rather than a handout.
There are two major supplemental food and nutrition programs in the United States: SNAP and WIC.
If you require assistance in lowering your monthly grocery costs, do not hesitate to apply for food assistance. I hope this blog has given you enough information. information.
Shop on Amazon With With Your EBT Card
Amazon now allows you to shop for qualifying grocery items using your food stamps EBT card.
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I hope so! The events of the last few years have been nothing short of extraordinary. For myself, I never looked down upon people who needed help but now I’ve seen firsthand how circumstances can be out of your control. There should be no stigma around feeding yourself and your family
We’ve needed them in the past, and if things keep going the way they are, we’ll need them again. There’s no shame in needing assistance, as long as you’re trying to help yourself before asking for help.
I wish I qualified for SNAP. I see it as a huge blessing. During the Pandemic, participants of the SNAP program were receiving up to $350 extra on their benefits.
We actually got additional assistance during the pandemic, and it was NICE.
I remember using WIC when my son was born. It was a lifesaver. I’ve seen the wave of SNAP go up and down. I think it’s more of a stigmatism in some areas and universally accepted in others. As long as there’s a need there shouldn’t be an issue.
Totally agree Mike. Thanks for dropping by.
Everyone needs help at one point or another! There is no shame in feeding your family and, with the rising cost of groceries, I certainly hope that utilizing benefits is not looked down on as much as it used to be.
Lori, the stigmas are still there, but as more people are becoming more reliant on the SNAP benefits, the stereotypes are slowly fading.
I think the pandemic definitely made a lot of people realize that help is needed and there should be no shame in it. Anything can happen that puts us in a position where we need assistance. Thanks for this informative post!
Definitely agree Molly. Thanks for your continued support,
Food stamps often get mentioned in the TV shows and films I’ve watched over the years, although it seems less common over the last decade. It’s weird how American’s look down on the program, but it also sucks that the government doesn’t just give you the money instead, like they so here in the UK. For a country that likes to float it’s freedoms credentials, this is the polar opposite of that world view
Unwanted life, to qualify for the SNAP program, I must meet an income requirement. I am far from it; wish I could benefit from the program though LOL. Who would not want $200 towards their grocery bill?
I hope it has destigmatized it. Pride is important but no one should go hungru because of it.
I think we all need help at least once in our lives and there’s no shame in asking for help! This is such a interesting post, thank you so much for sharing with us Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
This is such an important topic to speak about! Many people need help, and EBT SNAP Food Stamps provides that. Hopefully the destigmatization provides comfort to these individuals!
Jenna, I am also hoping that the destigmatization of SNAP benefits will remove the shame associated with the program; we are getting there.
We have a similar thing in the UK called the Food Bank. Interesting post.
Food has, undeniably, increased in price. It used to be, that if you were having a lean week with money, you could shop mainly fruit and veg and cook vegetarian for the week to get by. But now even fruit and veg are expensive. I’ve never lived in the U.S. and had never heard of these cards but they sound like a bit of a lifeline for those in need. Thank you for enlightening me.
You are welcome. Glad by post was enlightening for you, Maryanne.
I had to use them when we were in very bad times because of family and a bad business deal with them. We tried to avoid it by going to food pantries and that worked for a while, but I really needed more fresh food for my family instead of mostly desserts and breads and other food we don’t normally eat.
Thank you for sharing your experience Catherine. I am happy that Food Stamps were able to help you feed your family healthy foods.
Interesting post! I very much support such programs. No negative feelings attached to it whatsoever!
Food access is critical for many reasons. These people need help in many more ways though. You know that you have a real hard problem at hand if a normal full-time job still makes you qualify for such a program. This is the real issue I think. The difference between what many jobs pay vs what you need to live a happy life. So many people are seeking for side-hustles or second jobs. It’s not because of the fun doing so, but mostly because they can’t make ends meet. It’s a sad reality!
Thank you for these insights.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Andy; well said.
I think at some point in our lives we find ourselves in need of help and it is not something that one should be ashamed about. I have never lived in the US and I do not know about these cards but it sounds like help to people who may be in need. Thanks for sharing this information!
You are welcome Valentina