Table 3.
Responses to open-ended questions about the effects of the Thrifty Food Plan re-evaluation benefit increase in SNAP benefits from SNAP participants.
| Theme: Rising food prices negated the TFP increase in SNAP benefits |
| “I appreciate the increase [in SNAP benefits], small though it may be, but the cost of groceries keeps going up so it really is not making a huge difference.” |
| “It really had no change because the increase [in benefits] coincided with an increase in groceries.” |
| “It has not. As a matter of fact, because of inflation, I feel like I have LESS.” |
| Theme: The TFP increase helped SNAP benefits go a bit farther, but not enough to change behavior |
| “I’m just able to add another day or two of meals for the month. The increase [in SNAP benefits] was only $45.” |
| “I do not have to skip so many days to eat something. I have some food left over for the next day(s).” |
| “Everything’s still the same. The raise only meant my food lasts 2.5 weeks instead of only 2 weeks.” |
| “I am able to buy a little more than I was prior to the change. Food last about a week more than it normally would but I still have to budget and pay cash for food.” |
| Theme: The increase in SNAP benefits allow for the purchase of higher quality and/or quantity of foods |
| “It has allowed me to shop for a wider variety of foods. I now try to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into my diet. I feel I can afford to eat healthier now.” |
| “I have been able to buy food almost every week now, whereas before the food stamps would run out by my second week. I have also been able to get more healthy food that costs more.” |
| “For the most part, [the increase in SNAP] has enabled me to purchase fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables more frequently.” |
| “It means that I can afford to purchase more organic, non-GMO foods that are healthy.” |
| Theme: The increase in SNAP benefits helped to offset other household bills |
| “I am able to have sufficient money to pay for things I need like toilet paper and Kleenex and paper towels because I’m not using that money for food.” |
| “It has allowed me to stress less about paying necessary bills like lights and internet. I do not feel like I have to work an unhealthy amount of hours just to afford to eat a decent diet.” |
| “[I do not have] to spend as much on food when food stamps run out so I can use that money for other things like gas.” |
| “I can focus on rent/cat food/electric bill and I just leave all of the food bill to however much I get in SNAP.” |
| Theme: Larger SNAP benefits helped to reduce psychological stress |
| “I’m just real happy to have the increase [in SNAP benefits] so I can buy better, healthier, more organic food.” |
| “I was able to get healthier foods, feels very uplifting.” |
| “I am so grateful that I’m able to get [SNAP benefits]. The increase took a good bit of stress off me.” |
| “[The increase in SNAP benefits] has helped me be a little more relaxed while shopping.” |
| “The extra money really helps families like mine, it came at a really hard time, so it was great to get that little extra money for food.” |