Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2021

Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2021

This bill revises the requirements for calculating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The bill increases the minimum SNAP benefit and requires benefits to be calculated using the value of a low-cost food plan. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must determine the requirements for the low-cost food plan, which is the diet required to feed a family of four, consisting of

• a man and a woman 19-50 years of age,
• a child 6-8 years of age, and
• a child 9-11 years of age.

USDA must (1) reevaluate and publish the market baskets of the plan by January 1, 2027, and every five years thereafter, based on current food prices, food composition data, consumption patterns, and dietary guidance; and (2) make adjustments to the plan to account for household size, changes in the cost of the diet, and the costs of food in specified areas.

The bill modifies the requirements for calculating household income to determine SNAP eligibility by (1) authorizing a standard medical expense deduction for households containing an elderly or disabled member, and (2) eliminating the cap on the excess shelter expense deduction.

The bill eliminates certain work requirements for SNAP. The requirements apply to able-bodied adults who are ages 18-49 and have no dependent children.

The bill allows Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands to participate in SNAP. Currently, the three territories receive block grants instead of participating in SNAP.

Bill 117 HR 4077, also known as the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2021, aims to address food insecurity in the United States by expanding access to nutritious meals for vulnerable populations. The bill focuses on increasing funding for federal nutrition programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the National School Lunch Program, to ensure that all individuals have access to healthy and affordable food options.

One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a grant program to support community organizations and food banks in providing meals to those in need. These grants would help to bridge the gap between food assistance programs and individuals who may not qualify for traditional assistance but still struggle with food insecurity.

Additionally, the bill seeks to improve the nutritional quality of meals provided through federal programs by increasing funding for fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This focus on nutrition is intended to not only alleviate hunger but also promote overall health and well-being among recipients. Overall, the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2021 represents a bipartisan effort to address the issue of food insecurity in the United States by expanding access to nutritious meals for all individuals, regardless of income or background. By increasing funding for federal nutrition programs and supporting community organizations in their efforts to provide meals to those in need, this bill aims to make significant strides towards closing the meal gap and ensuring that all Americans have access to the food they need to thrive.