# Plain Language Summary: Keeping Families Fed Act of 2023

This bill would restore emergency food assistance benefits that ran out in February 2023 for people receiving SNAP (the food stamp program). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government provided extra monthly payments to help families buy groceries. When those emergency payments ended, every household on SNAP lost money—at least $95 per month, with some families losing $250 or more. This bill would bring back those extra emergency payments for one more year, giving struggling families the additional grocery money they had been receiving.

The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to create a plan to help states prepare for when these emergency benefits eventually end again. The idea is that by giving states and families more time and better information this time around, people won't face such a sudden financial shock when the program ends. Instead of having just two months' notice like last time, states would have guidance and resources to help their residents understand what's coming and prepare accordingly.

Practically speaking, if this bill passes, families currently on SNAP would see their monthly food benefits increase back to what they were before February 2023. A family that lost $90 a month in benefits would get that money restored to spend on groceries. The bill gives Congress and the states a year to figure out a better way to handle the transition when these emergency benefits eventually do end, rather than letting it happen abruptly again.

Keeping Families Fed Act of 2023

Caraveo, Yadira

Keeping Families Fed Act of 2023 This bill extends for one year the availability of certain increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Congress authorized temporary increases to SNAP benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, which are known as emergency allotments. These benefits ended nationwide after the February 2023 issuance. This bill continues that program for one year. Further, the Department of Agriculture must submit to Congress a strategy plan for state agencies to (1) provide resources and guidance for public awareness of the extension of the emergency allotments, and (2) prepare for the end of this program.