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The Value of Food Stamp Benefits in Colorado Is Eroding: Congress Must Address This Issue in the 2007 Farm Bill

One of the most important issues Congress will address in this year’s Farm Bill is the future of the Food Stamp Program. Roughly 251,385 Coloradans, and 26 million Americans overall, rely on food stamps to help them purchase a nutritionally adequate diet.

Unfortunately, food stamps are worth only about $1.19 per meal for the average Coloradan. Because food stamps do not keep up with the cost of living, the amount of food they can purchase is steadily declining. As a result, households are increasingly likely to run out of food before the end of the month, which can affect everything from the family’s health to the ability to succeed at work and in school.

When Congress renews the Food Stamp Program in the Farm Bill, it should improve food stamp benefits with a goal of ensuring families get adequate help, including help accessing healthier, sometimes more expensive foods. At a minimum, Congress must stop the erosion in the value of food stamp benefits. Such a change would provide needed help to poor Coloradans. It would also provide a significant boost to State’s economy by increasing overall food purchases.

Released May 16, 2007

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