The Closing the Meal Gap Act would increase food assistance benefits for low-income Americans by changing how the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) calculates benefits. Instead of using the current "thrifty food plan," the bill would base benefit amounts on the "low-cost food plan," which is a more generous standard that reflects the actual cost of feeding a family of four. The bill also increases medical deductions for elderly and disabled participants, removes the cap on shelter expense deductions, and eliminates a time limit that currently restricts benefits for certain able-bodied adults without dependents. The changes take effect in fiscal year 2023, with the benefit amounts adjusted annually each October to reflect current food prices. While the bill text does not specify total funding amounts, the changes would increase SNAP spending by expanding benefits across millions of households receiving federal food assistance.
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