Hoosiers should expect a change in their food stamp benefits as October begins – with most getting an increase.

There are two adjustments to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The first is the end of a temporary, pandemic-driven 15 percent benefit increase. It was part of the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan and doesn’t go beyond Sept. 30.

But another change, taking effect Oct. 1, should more than offset that decrease. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, at the direction of Congress, recently updated its Thrifty Food Plan. The USDA describes that as “the cost of groceries needed to provide a healthy, budget-conscious diet for a family of four.”

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According to the agency, that update means SNAP’s purchasing power will increase for the first time since 1975. And it estimates that most SNAP recipients will see a $12 to $16 per person boost in their monthly benefits.

The state says because both those changes are happening at the same time, most Hoosiers should see a slight increase in their SNAP benefits in October.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.