Thrifty Food Plan

The Thrifty Food Plan is a government-developed guide that estimates the cost of a nutritious, balanced diet for a typical family or individual while keeping expenses as low as possible. It considers current food prices, dietary guidelines, and nutritional needs to help people understand the minimum amount needed for healthy eating. This plan is used to determine the amount of food assistance benefits, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), that eligible individuals or families can receive. Essentially, it serves as a practical benchmark for affordable, healthy eating.