Fact Check: The Thrifty Food Plan is used to determine SNAP benefit levels.

Published July 1, 2025

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VERDICT

True

# Fact Check: "The Thrifty Food Plan is used to determine SNAP benefit levels." ## What We Know The **Thrifty Food Plan (TFP)** is indeed used to det...

Fact Check: "The Thrifty Food Plan is used to determine SNAP benefit levels."

What We Know

The Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) is indeed used to determine the benefit levels for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to the USDA, SNAP maximum allotments are updated annually based on the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan in June, which then takes effect on October 1 of the same year (source-2). The Thrifty Food Plan represents the cost of groceries needed to provide a healthy, budget-conscious diet for a reference family, which is defined as an adult male and female aged 20-50 and two children aged 6-8 and 9-11 (source-2).

The TFP is one of four food plans developed by the USDA, with the Thrifty Food Plan being the lowest cost option. It is calculated using a mathematical model that considers food costs, nutritional guidance, and typical American eating habits (source-2). The most recent update to the TFP occurred in 2021, which led to a significant increase in SNAP benefits for many households (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that the Thrifty Food Plan is used to determine SNAP benefit levels is supported by multiple credible sources. The USDA explicitly states that the maximum SNAP benefit amounts are derived from the cost of the TFP, which is recalibrated annually (source-2). Furthermore, the 2021 re-evaluation of the TFP resulted in a 21% increase in maximum SNAP benefits, demonstrating the direct impact of the TFP on benefit levels (source-1).

The USDA's methodology for calculating the TFP is based on sound nutritional science and reflects a practical approach to budgeting for food, making it a reliable basis for determining SNAP benefits. The TFP is updated every five years as mandated by the 2018 Farm Bill, ensuring that it remains relevant to current food costs and dietary needs (source-2).

Critically, the sources used in this analysis are from reputable organizations, including the USDA and academic institutions, which lend credibility to the information presented. There are no significant biases noted in these sources that would undermine their reliability.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "The Thrifty Food Plan is used to determine SNAP benefit levels" is accurate. The TFP is the foundational basis for calculating the maximum benefit amounts for SNAP, and its updates directly influence the financial assistance provided to eligible households.

Sources

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