Wisconsin FoodShare Benefits to Decrease With Ending of Federal Aid

Friday, January 13th, 2023 -- 12:01 PM

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, passed by Congress in late December, ends a federal program that has been providing additional benefits to households enrolled in Wisconsin’s FoodShare program.

FoodShare households have been receiving the maximum amount for their household size or $95, whichever is more. In recent months, an average of approximately $80 million has been distributed monthly to help almost 400,000 households across our state struggling to afford food.

This also indirectly supports Wisconsinites involved in food production and retail like farmers, truckers, and grocers. February 2023 will be the last month families will receive the extra benefits.

Regular FoodShare benefits will continue. During the last two years, there have been historic federal cost of living increases to the maximum allotment amounts for households based on their size.

Maximum allotment amounts have gone up approximately 34% from pre-pandemic levels. FoodShare members will receive a letter later this month alerting them to this change. Households with emails on file will also be notified by email.

Members can check the amount of their regular monthly FoodShare benefit by logging into Wisconsin’s ACCESS website or by using the MyACCESS smartphone app. Regular benefits are always deposited on the same day in the first half of each month. Regular FoodShare benefit amounts are based on information like household size, income, and expenses.

If a household has experienced changes like an increase in size or a decrease in income, bills they have not reported, or expenses that have increased, they should report these updates to the agency that manages their benefits. They may be eligible for increased FoodShare benefits.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.