Residents of Hawaii who depend on government assistance to place food on their tables will receive unwelcome news in the coming months due to the rising cost of food.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has decided to recalculate financing for Hawaii’s Thrifty Food Plan, resulting in cuts to the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps.
This SNAP initiative serves as a lifeline for a significant population, including over 156,000 individuals and families in Hawaii. However, beginning on October 1, a succession of changes will result in a discernible reduction in aid.
The monthly aid for one-person households will be reduced by $11, while families of four will experience a more significant reduction of $35 per month. Community advocates are fearful of the far-reaching repercussions of this budget cut.
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Hawaii Representatives Express Disappointment Over SNAP Benefit Cuts
The state authorities are in discussions with Hawaii’s representatives in Washington, D.C., in an effort to find potential resolutions.
In a joint statement published on Monday, the delegation, including influential figures such as U.S. Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono and U.S. Representatives Ed Case and Jill Tokuda, expressed their disappointment.
Their statement noted that they are working with Secretary Vilsack to minimize the impact on families who rely on SNAP benefits and to ensure that the data USDA uses to determine Hawaii’s food costs accurately reflects the real prices local families pay for groceries across the state.
How Much is the Maximum SNAP Benefit in Hawaii in 2023?
As things currently stand, the impending recalibration of the Thrifty Food Plan will have an effect on the specifics of SNAP benefits.
Consequently, the specific figures for the maximum SNAP benefit in Hawaii for 2023 are being reevaluated as authorities attempt to strike a balance between meeting the requirements of vulnerable families and navigating economic constraints.
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Source: Marca
