By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Boston, MA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits will be increasing in October for the 550,000 Massachusetts residents that participate in the program. The increase is meant to help keep up with rising food costs due to inflation. Participants will see a 12% increase, based on the cost of utilities, specifically heating costs. Department of Transitional Assistance Acting Commissioner Mary Sheehan said, “The increase in monthly SNAP benefit amounts will support the vital food security of many low-income households across the Commonwealth and the communities in which they live, learn, and work.” Pandemic related SNAP benefits are currently set to remain in place, no word yet on when those benefits may end.