SNAP or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries could lose it if a new bill receives approval. This measure will affect approximately a quarter of those who get Food Stamps. The thing is that this new law could reduce the amount of money many families receive to buy healthy food. Low-income families will suffer the consequences of this proposal, but most importantly their children. Of those approximately 10 million beneficiaries that could no longer collect SNAP checks, 4 million are children. That is why it is essential to think about those who cannot stand on their own feet.
It was Republican Dusty Johson the one who presented this legislation. The main aim is to enforce the work requirements SNAP beneficiaries have. Remember that to collect SNAP checks or the former Food Stamps, you must meet income, work, and residency requirements. To be able to get SNAP you must look for work actively. Besides, you must accept job offers if you are suitable for that job. In case you work, you cannot reduce the number of hours or leave the job without a justified reason.
What does the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities -CBPP- say about it?
They have stated what SNAP requirements already ask beneficiaries to do. They remind everyone that those who are from 18 years old to 49 and have no children have limited access to SNAP checks. They can only collect Food Stamps for about 90 days in just three years’ time. It could be longer if they can show evidence they cannot work or are taking part in a qualifying work program or even working. Dusty Johnson’s bill would increase that age limit. So, those who are older than 49 would have that same requirement up to the age of 65. CBPP says it would affect the people living in their households.
Apparently, research shows that work requirements do not do much to increase employment. So, for those who support these findings, it would not make any difference at all. This new bill would prevent states from modifying the time limits SNAP benefits have. This has been used to help citizens when there has been a time of economic instability. This would certainly increase food insecurity among those vulnerable kids.
What are the benefits of Food Stamps?
SNAP checks are a successful way to reduce both food insecurity and poverty according to CBPP. As inflation is making prices go up, many American families are facing difficulties when it comes to doing their grocery shopping. It is not just about eating, mortgage interest rates increase has made American’s budget shrink too. Not to mention electricity and fuel expenses. CBPP believes SNAP should become stronger now rather than get cuts. What is more, poverty and food insecurity may increase instability and conflict according to United Nations.
CBPP believes this bill will not be effective and it has the aim of punishing rather than helping. In addition to this, SNAP beneficiaries have already seen their checks reduced. This was due to the end of the emergency allotment for the pandemic. It helps needy families overcome the difficulties they face during last year’s high inflation. There seem to be other proposals too regarding SNAP. So let us see what lays in the store.