President Joe Biden withdrew a Trump-era proposal that would have ended food benefits for millions of Americans. The controversial plan was first introduced by former president Donald Trump in 2019 and is one the Biden administration’s latest efforts to undo policies introduced by his predecessor.
Under the plan, an estimated three million Americans would get kicked off food stamps and end automatic eligibility for free school meals for nearly one million children. The plan would also impose restrictions on who qualifies for food stamps and stifled the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for those who make slightly more than the income threshold.
Earlier this year, the Biden administration struck down another Trump-era rule that would have ended food stamps from roughly 700,000 people. That proposal would have implemented a work requirement for people who receive food stamps.
The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package passed in March included a 15% boost in food stamp benefits that lasts through September.
The financial devastation of the coronavirus pandemic led to increased demand for food banks across the country. Food insecurity and housing issues are just two of the major threats millions around the nation face stemming from the lasting impact of COVID-19.
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