New Mexico residents who receive food assistance will continue to get the maximum amount allowed for their household size through the end of July. The state got a month’s extension on a federal program meant to keep people fed during the pandemic.
In March, the federal government gave the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program a boost to combat food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. That was set to expire at the end of this month, but on Monday, Income Support Division Director Karmela Martinez said the division had applied for and received a waiver that allows those benefits to be extended through July.
“It’s important that we apply for every waiver and for every potential assistance that will directly, positively impact our constituents,” she said. “Even more now during the time of pandemic. And it’s really important that we afford them all the opportunities that are available to them.”
With the COVID-related boost, a qualified individual receives $194 a month in SNAP benefits. A household of four gets $646 dollars a month.
Find more information at yes.state.nm.us.
