Report: SNAP Increase a “Win-Win” for VA Economy and Families
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January 20, 2010
RICHMOND, Va. - Job cuts, losses, and lay-offs have left more Virginians wondering how to make ends meet, but thanks to an increase in funding for the state's food stamp program, known by its acronym SNAP, the load for almost 700,000 Virginia families is a little lighter.
A new report from the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis breaks down the numbers by region, and shows just how and where the funds have been spent. Sara Okos, policy analyst and co-author of the report, says that the additional $96 million in assistance for SNAP has provided not only nutrition for families, but has given the communities where they live a much-needed shot in the economic arm.
"Low-income households that receive food stamps tend to redeem their benefits both quickly and close to home, which provides an important boost to the local economy."
Okos says that because low-income families need to use all of their resources just to meet their daily food, shelter and transportation needs, every additional dollar received translates to at least one extra dollar spent elsewhere.
"Because of these increased benefits, Virginia's low-income families are able to purchase some additional food and other necessities, which in turn, allows local business owners to buy their supplies and pay their own employees and vendors."
The extra funds for SNAP were provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will remain in place in the years to come. The report also makes recommendations for ways to strengthen the current program by lowering eligibility requirements for low-income families.
The report, "A Full Plate: Recovery Act's Food Stamp Increase Boosting Local Economies Across Virginia," can be found at: www.thecommonwealthinstitute.org