Increase SNAP benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP / food stamps) provides food benefits to about 23 million low-income households (including 13 million children), at a cost of $94 billion in 2024. Eligibility requires income no more than 30% above the poverty line, savings under $3,000, and work registration for most adults. Average benefits are about $170/month for individuals living alone and $530/month for single mothers.
Arguments For & Against
Pro Argument
The people getting SNAP make very little and only get, on average, about $6 a day in benefits. That's clearly not enough. Many want to earn more, but can't find a job or a better paying job. Many are disabled or very old. Food is a basic human need, and it is simply wrong to keep people on the edge of hunger with benefits so low.
Con Argument
The amount the government spends on SNAP is a lot of money—$94 billion dollars last year. It should not be increased. The government should instead be encouraging people to get out there and try harder to get a job, or new skills to get higher income. The government shouldn't be making it easier for people not to make the effort.
Source document: Low-Income-2025-Questionnaire-2.pdf
| Type | Organization | Date | Nat | Rep | Dem | Gap | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 79% | 70% | 88% | 18% | chose_amount_over |
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 60% | 52% | 67% | 15% | chose_amount_over |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | April 2025 | 86% | 82% | 92% | 10% | chose_amount_over |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | April 2025 | 70% | 68% | 76% | 8% | chose_amount_over |
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
For a single person living alone earning about $860 a month, current SNAP benefits are about $170 a month. What do you think the amount of monthly SNAP benefits should be? _____ dollars
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
For a single mother earning about $1,150 a month, current SNAP benefits are about $530 a month. What do you think the amount of monthly SNAP benefits should be? _____ dollars
Program for Public Consultation — April 2025
For people living alone and earning the average of $860 a month, current SNAP benefits are about $170 a month. What do you think this amount should be?
Program for Public Consultation — April 2025
For a single mother earning the average of $1,150 a month, current SNAP benefits are about $530 a month. What do you think this amount should be?