SNAP helps millions of families
Babies bring a lot of joy and excitement to our lives. But for many, raising a family also comes with financial stress. Families spend an average of $12,940 in the first year alone.[1] Those expenses include childcare, healthcare, formula, food, diapers, clothes, and other supplies.
Paying for all these new expenses will surely impact the family’s budget. The family will be faced with fewer dollars to spend on essentials, like food, and at the same time their grocery bill will be higher because there’s a new family member to feed. The cost to feed a baby adds up quickly, and can range from approximately $100 – $175 per month.[2]
Having access to healthy food is important for all of us, but it’s particularly important for infants and children. Food insecurity among infants is associated with poor health and increased hospitalizations. For older children, food insecurity is associated with poor school performance.[3]
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides a safety net for millions of families that are struggling to afford food. SNAP reaches 16 million children. That is one in five children in the United States.[4] SNAP provides a monthly benefit to families to increase their ability to purchase adequate and healthy foods.
Would SNAP be a resource to you or someone you know? More In My Basket can help you learn about your eligibility and provide assistance with applying for SNAP.
Use the link below to provide your contact information and a More In My Basket representative will follow up with you.
Check back next week for tips on stretching your baby food budget.
[1] Lino, Mark. (2014). Expenditures on Children by Families, 2013. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. Retrieved from: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/sites/default/files/expenditures_on_children_by_families/crc2013.pdf
[2] Official USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Four Levels. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. Retrieved from: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cnpp/usda-food-plans-cost-food-reports-monthly-reports
[3] SNAP Plays a Critical Role in Helping Children. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Retrieved from: http://www.cbpp.org/research/snap-plays-a-critical-role-in-helping-children
[4] One in Five Children Receive Food Stamps. Census Bureau. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2015/cb15-16.html
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