BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — More than 6 million Americans have applied for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from February to May, a 17 percent increase according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

As the White House continues to work on a new stimulus package to help feed Americans and fuel the economy, many hope to see an increase in SNAP benefits. Congress made sure that everyone eligible would receive the maximum amount of benefits, $194 a month for an individual and $509 a month for a family of three or more. 

It was recorded that the government spent $3 billion more in April 2020 than in April 2019. 

While an investment in SNAP benefits could help individuals and families on a personal level, the $7 billion spent on SNAP benefits wouldn't do much to help the $21 trillion U.S. economy. 

Dr. Brian Strow, an economics professor at Western Kentucky University, says the government would see a better economic gain by putting money toward stimulus checks. 

“If you receive SNAP benefits and get an extra dollar here or there, it might help you personally, but it doesn’t make a sizable impact to the federal economy,” said Strow. 

Kentucky, along with the rest of the country, has seen a significant increase in SNAP applications since the beginning of the pandemic. Experts like Strow say the number could continue to rise as many await another round of federal relief. 

As the volume of applications increases, wait time could increase as well, but Strow says the government has allowed for states to extend benefits without verification for an extra six months. He hopes that like other states in the country, Kentucky will provide the extended aid. 

“Even if there has been a lag upfront to get those benefits to people, the federal government is more than making up for it by giving them money longer than they normally would,” said Strow. 

The White House continues to discuss the guidelines for a new stimulus package expected within the next month.