Retailers Brace for Reduction in Food Stamps - Enrollment in food-stamp benefits surged during the recession and in its wake, increasing by 70% from 2007 to 2011 before leveling off.

From The Wall Street Journal:

Enrollment in food-stamp benefits surged during the recession and in its wake, increasing by 70% from 2007 to 2011 before leveling off. The government's stimulus program increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits across the board by 13.6% in 2009.

As that temporary increase expires on Friday, benefits for a family of four receiving a maximum allotment will drop by 5.4%, the equivalent of about $36 a month, or $420 a year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Retailers and food companies including Wal-Mart have spent millions over the past couple of years lobbying lawmakers over nutritional assistance, according to federal records. The current Congress, however, appears inclined to implement even deeper cuts as lawmakers in Washington resume negotiations this week over a new U.S. farm bill.

The House in September passed a bill curtailing spending on food stamps by 5%, or about $40 billion over a decade. The Senate has called for a smaller cut of about $4 billion.