Case Study: COVID-19 Pandemic and Government Assistance
In late 2019 to early 2020, the new novel Coronavirus spread to the United States, leading most states to put their citizens on lockdown; close restaurants, schools, and switch the remote schooling; and halt other activities involving public gatherings all in an effort to stop the spread and rising death toll. The USDA, FNS started issuing emergency allotment (EA) benefits under the Coronavirus Families First Act of 2020. These funds must be requested by the State and then approved by the federal government on a month-to-month basis. How might month-to-month approval of EA affect those participating in SNAP? How might remote schooling affect a family and their children’s ability to obtain adequate nutrition?