Wisconsin Foodshare Praises Benefits Increase

Wednesday, August 18th, 2021 -- 12:00 PM

(WBAY) A federally funded program that hasn’t considered inflation since the 1970s is finally getting a reboot, and that means more money for Wisconsin’s Foodshare Program.

One local organization that helps fight hunger in our area said this is a great first step, but they’re also warning about a ‘food cliff’ looming on the horizon. For the first time in 45 years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) updated its foodshare benefits program.

A lot has changed since then when it comes to food options, availability, and prices. While a good first step, they offer a word of caution to the 740,000 Wisconsinites currently receiving foodshare benefits in the state. About 40 percent of recipients are minors under the age of 17.

For example, a senior on foodshare prior to the pandemic got about $16 a month because they are on a fixed income. When the pandemic hit, they were given the maximum amount which totaled around $220 per month.

However, that won’t last forever. This is where the term ‘food cliff’ comes in and they just want people to be prepared.

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