Teresa Hoffman, policy communications associate, teresah@cfra.org, 402.687.2100, ext. 1012; Rhea Landholm, brand marketing & communications manager, rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext. 1025
LYONS, NEBRASKA – With COVID-19 cases on the rise, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Thursday the state will submit an application to reinstate the federal maximum benefit for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.
“We applaud Gov. Ricketts for his decision to accept emergency federal funding for Nebraska families who use the SNAP program,” said Nathan Beacom, policy associate for the Center for Rural Affairs. “This move will benefit more than 70,000 Nebraska households who need help putting food on the table.”
Starting in September, Nebraska was one of two states to refuse the emergency federal boost offered under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, with the governor saying the relief was no longer needed because life in the state had returned to normal.
The state, however, is again requesting these funds in response to the impact of increased hospitalizations and COVID-19 cases, the governor said. The new application will be submitted this month with benefits to be paid in December.
Beacom said the funds will help to ensure that all rural Nebraskans have enough to eat and, at the same time, provide an effective stimulus to the economies of small towns.
“It’s particularly important for rural communities that these SNAP dollars continue to flow into small businesses,” Beacom said. “Every $1 of SNAP benefits translates to a $1.84 increase in gross domestic product. Gov. Ricketts has helped to give rural economies the boost they need to stay afloat during a year which has seen an exceptional amount of financial uncertainty and stress for business owners and families alike.”
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