SANTA FE — New Mexicans participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see their monthly benefits increase beginning Oct. 1. SNAP serves more than 539,758 individuals in New Mexico each month, providing food assistance benefits to safeguard the well-being of low-income, financially eligible households.

 “This increase in food benefits will help alleviate hunger in New Mexico among children and families in the wake of the dual health and economic crisis caused by the pandemic,” said Angela Medrano, deputy secretary for the New Mexico Human Services Department. “The additional money families spend on food will also help grow the food economy in our state.”

 The change will reflect a 21 percent increase from the base calculation from pre-pandemic levels. This means SNAP-participating households will receive an increase in benefits of, on average, $36 per person – or about $1.20 per day. The new maximum benefit for a family of four will rise to $835 a month.

 “I haven’t had to use public funding much in my life since I was a young person, but with age and medical issues coming my way, the SNAP benefits have been extremely beneficial in providing food for me,” said Rebecca Shaw, an eligible New Mexico SNAP beneficiary. “The extra COVID amount of SNAP has allowed me to purchase food that is extremely nutritious particularly now that I am experiencing medical issues. I cannot express my gratitude more at this time. It came in exactly when I needed it. I am hoping that I will recover and be able to work again and provide help to others as I have been helped at this time.”

 This change is happening nationwide as of Oct. 1, 2021, announced the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) which adjusted the maximum SNAP benefits, deductions and income eligibility standards. These adjustments are known as the “SNAP Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).” The SNAP COLA is based on changes in the cost of living and determines the maximum SNAP benefit amount and the income threshold to be eligible for SNAP.

 A USDA study published earlier this summer found that nearly nine out of 10 SNAP participants reported facing barriers to achieving a healthy diet, with the most common barrier being the cost of healthy foods. Nationwide, SNAP helps to feed more than 42 million Americans (one in eight) each month.

 At the same time the maximum SNAP benefit will increase by 21 percent, the pandemic relief measure increasing SNAP benefits by 15 percent will end.

 The chart below provides the maximum SNAP benefit received January 2021 through September 2021 and includes the increase provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the increased amount beginning October 1, 2021.

 For additional information or questions please call the Consolidated Customer Service Center at 1-800-283-4465.

 The Human Services Department provides services and benefits to 1,112,495 New Mexicans through several programs including: the Medicaid Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Support Program, and several Behavioral Health Services.

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