Let’s get one thing straight: a $3.48 increase in SNAP isn’t a win when eggs are pushing $6 and a gallon of milk makes you do a double take. Politicians can pat themselves on the back all they want, but real people still can’t afford real food.
In 2025, the government announced a modest SNAP boost—just enough to sound good in headlines, but not nearly enough to keep pace with what’s actually happening at the grocery store. And while food inflation is cooling on paper, in the real world, it’s still punching holes in every grocery budget.
SNAP Is Getting Outpaced—Fast
According to the latest USDA data:
- Grocery prices are up 7.3% year-over-year
- Eggs, meat, dairy, and produce have seen double-digit jumps
- Average SNAP benefit increase? Just $3.48 per person per month
You don’t need a calculator to know that’s not even keeping up with the price of bread.
| Grocery Item | 2023 Price | 2025 Price | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen) | $2.98 | $6.09 | 104% |
| Milk (1 gallon) | $3.89 | $5.30 | 36% |
| Chicken (1 lb) | $4.20 | $6.90 | 64% |
| Ground beef (1 lb) | $4.75 | $7.40 | 55% |
| Apples (3 lb bag) | $3.99 | $5.79 | 45% |
The math is clear: SNAP is losing the fight against inflation.
Policy Theater vs. Pantry Reality
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are debating who should qualify for food stamps, what items should be allowed, and how to “encourage work” through benefit restrictions. But at your local grocery store, none of that matters when your total is $147 and your SNAP balance is $43.
Even worse? Some states are pushing to ban soda, chips, and other so-called “junk” foods with SNAP—while doing absolutely nothing to make healthy food more affordable. That’s not policy. That’s control dressed up as reform. (Read how to fight back against SNAP work requirements)
Making Your Benefits Work Harder (Even When They Shouldn’t Have To)
Here are a few ways to stretch your benefits while lawmakers play games with your grocery cart:
- Compare Prices with Apps like Flipp, Basket, and Ibotta (See the best grocery apps to stretch your benefits)
- Use USDA’s Food Price Outlook to stay ahead of trends: Link
- Check Out Local Food Pantries and Co-Ops for extra support
- Call Your Legislators and ask why their idea of “help” doesn’t make it past the produce section
They’re giving with one hand and taking twice as much with the other.
SNAP was meant to be a lifeline—not a press release. If the government wants credit for raising benefits, it also needs to be held accountable for the cost of groceries rising right alongside them. Otherwise, it’s not help. It’s headlines.
When policies don’t reflect real life, it’s up to us to keep the conversation honest. The reality is: a few dollars added to SNAP doesn’t go far when groceries are climbing by double digits. This isn’t about entitlement—it’s about fairness. If lawmakers truly want to fight hunger, they need to start listening to the people doing the math every week at checkout. Subscribe to The Fender Bender Mag if you’re tired of sugarcoated headlines and ready for bold, no-fluff reporting that keeps it real. Comment below with your experience. Share this with someone who’s feeling the pressure too.
