WITH END OF STIMULUS BOOST, CLIENTS OF DELAWARE'S SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WILL HAVE BENEFITS REDUCED STARTING NOV.1

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 31, 2013) - Delaware's 154,000 clients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are among the more than 48 million clients nationwide who will see their benefits reduced starting Nov. 1 because of the end of stimulus funding.

During the economic downturn as unemployment rose and individuals sought assistance to make ends meet, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act temporarily increased spending for SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. The legislation, which provided for the expanded benefits to begin in April 2009, included an end date, which was later revised to Oct. 31, 2013.

Delaware's 154,000 food assistance clients have been notified of the reduction that begins Nov. 1. If they have difficulty meeting the monthly food needs of themselves or their families, they will be referred to Delaware 211 for additional community resources. Before the Nov. 1 reduction, the average monthly benefit in Delaware was $128 per person.

The amount of SNAP benefits each eligible household receives depends on many factors, including income, household size and expenses. Assuming no other changes in those factors between October and November, the table below shows the decrease in SNAP benefits in November by household size.

"For those Delawareans who are in a vulnerable position, this decrease will make a difficult situation more difficult," Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf said. "At DHSS, we are committed to working with our clients and our community partners to make sure that no one in Delaware goes hungry."

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.