Does SNAP Cover the Cost of a Meal in Our Community?

New research highlights deepening gaps between food costs and SNAP benefits across the Central Rappahannock Region.

The Urban Institute recently released an interactive data tool revealing that in 99% of U.S. counties, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits do not cover the cost of a modestly priced meal. This shortfall has serious implications for food-insecure families—including right here in our region.

Local Gaps Between SNAP & Meal Costs

In every county and city we serve, the cost of a modest meal exceeds the SNAP benefit by a significant margin:

• City of Fredericksburg: A modestly priced meal costs $4.16, which is 47% more than the SNAP benefit.

• Stafford County: $3.75 per meal — 33% more than the SNAP benefit.

• Spotsylvania County: $3.61 per meal — 28% more than the SNAP benefit.

• Caroline County: $3.55 per meal — 25% more than the SNAP benefit.

• King George County: $3.48 per meal — 23% more than the SNAP benefit.

• Orange County: $3.44 per meal — 22% more than the SNAP benefit.

These numbers reflect a growing crisis for thousands of individuals and families in our region who rely on SNAP to help put food on the table. When benefits fall short, more people are forced to turn to emergency food assistance to fill the gap.

National Trends, Local Impacts

Across the country in 2024, the average SNAP benefit provided $2.84 per meal, while the average cost of a modestly priced meal was $3.41—a 57¢ gap per meal, or about $53 per month in unmet food costs per eligible household.

Urban areas, like the City of Fredericksburg, face even higher shortfalls. These figures reveal a clear truth: SNAP is vital—but it’s not enough.

Why This Matters

When SNAP benefits don't keep pace with the actual cost of meals:

• Families may skip meals or buy less food

• Cheaper, less nutritious food becomes the only option

• Stress increases—especially for households with children, seniors, or those managing health conditions

This food access gap has short- and long-term consequences for health, stability, and opportunity in our communities.

What You Can Do

Explore the data: Visit the Urban Institute’s tool to see how your county compares: Does SNAP Cover the Cost of a Meal in Your County?

Support local hunger relief: Donations, volunteer time, and food drives help us bridge the gap for families in need.

Raise awareness: Share this data with others, and advocate for policy changes that improve SNAP benefit adequacy.

This research confirms what food banks and service providers have long known: too many people are doing everything right—and still coming up short. SNAP remains a crucial tool for fighting hunger, but we must ensure it meets today’s reality.

Together, we can work toward a future where no one has to choose between eating and meeting their other basic needs.

Disclosure:
This post was edited with the assistance of an AI language model and reviewed by Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank staff for accuracy and clarity. Its content is based on the Urban Institute’s published research and reflects our organization's values and priorities.