Local

Benefits to change soon for food stamp recipients

ORLANDO, Fla. — The program that provides food stamp recipients with their benefits is making some changes soon.

As shoppers walk into the Community Food and Outreach Center in Orlando, most take advantage of the supplemental nutrition assistance program, better known as "food stamps."

SNAP received a financial boost in 2009 as a result of the Recovery Act, but the bill is coming to an end and families will receive less, some having no idea the cuts are on the way.

Wanda Break, who supports a family of four, said she had no idea of the expiration.

"This act will expire on Nov. 1 and so the biggest impact we'll see are on those that are receiving food stamps in the state of Florida," said Carrie Hoeppner of the Department of Children and Families.

So, a family of four with no income will be losing about $36 a month. But more important, families that qualified before may not qualify come November, officials said.

Break said she hopes she qualifies.

Those who qualify for the SNAP program and are interested in finding out where their benefits stand should log into their SNAP accounts for more information.