Morgan McKay is reporting for State of Politics SNAP benefits can be used as a back-up resource as food banks nationwide are strained, with many of the organizations reporting dwindling food supplies and some even having to close, according to Hunger Solutions New York. “SNAP is consistent, it is stable, it is a resource, it is there for people. In fact right now, many more people are probably eligible for SNAP then they ever have been,” explained Sherry Tomasky with Hunger Solutions. SNAP benefits can often still be used even if groceries are delivered or picked up. It is also available for people who have been recently laid off from work due to COVID-19. Those currently receiving SNAP benefits could see an increase in the amount they are able to spend on food during the month of April, if they do not already receive the maximum amount. People who fall into that category do not need to call or reapply because their EBT card will be updated automatically. Hunger Solutions New York is asking Congress to increase SNAP benefits by 15 percent as part of the next federal stimulus bill. “...[T]he SNAP program can provide that additional support, that constant assistance for that household on a day to day basis where they can continue to buy groceries, continue to make meals for their family,” Tomasky said. Read the full story at NYStateofPolitics [dot] com.