The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income families in the U.S. afford nutritious food.
In 2025, it remains a critical program, especially as the cost of living rises.
Changes like the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) aim to address these challenges and ensure families have access to healthy meals.
What is SNAP, and How Does It Help?
SNAP provides eligible people with funds to buy food essentials like fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, and grains. In Texas, SNAP also supports food independence by allowing people to purchase seeds and plants to grow their own food.
However, SNAP funds cannot be used to buy:
- Non-food items (like toiletries or pet food)
- Ready-made or hot meals
- Household supplies
The program’s focus is to reduce hunger and help families meet their nutritional needs.
SNAP Benefit Increases in 2025
In response to inflation and rising food costs, the government adjusts SNAP benefits annually using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025 is expected to increase benefits by 2.5% to 3%.
For example:
- A Texas family receiving $10,000 in benefits in 2024 might get $250–$300 more in 2025.
This adjustment helps families keep up with rising grocery prices, ensuring access to healthy food options.
How COLA is Calculated
COLA adjustments use inflation data from the third quarter of the previous year. For the 2025 SNAP increase:
- Data from 2024 was analyzed.
- The percentage increase was finalized in October 2024.
- The updated benefits will take effect on October 1, 2025.
Impact of COLA Adjustments on Families
While a 2.5% to 3% increase may seem small, it makes a big difference for low-income families:
- It allows for the purchase of more fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
- It ensures families can maintain a balanced and healthy diet despite rising costs.
By adjusting SNAP benefits to reflect inflation, the government helps families afford essential nutrition, improving overall health and well-being.
SNAP continues to play a vital role in helping low-income families afford nutritious food.
With the 2025 COLA adjustment, families in Texas and across the U.S. will receive higher benefits to combat rising food costs.
Though small, this increase helps many households maintain healthier diets, fostering better overall health and well-being.
1. What can I buy with SNAP benefits?
You can buy food items like fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, and grains. You can also purchase seeds and plants to grow your own food.
2. What can’t I buy with SNAP benefits?
SNAP funds cannot be used for non-food items (e.g., toiletries), pet food, household supplies, or hot and ready-made meals.
3. How much will SNAP benefits increase in 2025?
SNAP benefits will increase by approximately 2.5% to 3% in 2025, depending on inflation.
4. When will the new SNAP benefits take effect?
The updated benefits will start on October 1, 2025.
5. How does the government decide on SNAP increases?
The government uses inflation data from the previous year’s third quarter to calculate the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
