The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP may suffer the effects of a new bill proposal. Despite the fact that it was previously called Food Stamps, it is still the same program. Its main aim is to provide low-income families with money for food.
Bear in mind that there are many working families that are finding really hard to make ends meet. In fact, due to the way inflation has affected food prices, many needy families cannot afford to go grocery shopping. At least, not as often as they used to go. Besides, they need to make sure they do not exceed their budget.
This budget is so tight that SNAP allows them to buy healthy and nutritious food. Otherwise, they would not be able to do so. The SNAP program is the biggest one in the USA. What is more, it helps vulnerable people eat properly. From children to elderly people. Even if the requirements are tough, many qualify for it.
What is the percentage of Hispanics that receive SNAP checks?
Hispanics represent a 20% of the total amount of SNAP beneficiaries. Besides, they are more likely to be in a situation that involves food insecurity. It is true that if you need some help because you are going through a rough patch, SNAP could become essential. This could be the stepping stone to help you improve.
Getting out of poverty is the main goal of the SNAP program. Food stamps allow people to have a bigger budget to be able to afford other expenses. There are so many expenses like rent, electricity, and gas. Besides, they are becoming so expensive that if you have an unexpected event you cannot afford it.
These cutbacks could be harmful to people who are not able to improve their situation. For example, those who are children, elderly or ill. They could live in a family that has a low income. If they have a reduction in the SNAP checks, their healthy and balanced diet will be at risk. Growing healthy is essential for kids.
How many people will be affected by the new bill if approved?
This SNAP reduction would affect about ten million Americans that are beneficiaries. Therefore, it will end up cutting back SNAP checks to 1 out of 4 recipients. In total, about 4 million children will suffer the consequences of this measure. Putting at risk the health and food security of children is not a good way to do it.
Other measures to save money should be carried out. Rather than decreasing the amount of money for food SNAP recipients get. Apart from children, there are many war veterans who have a low salary and need this extra support. It is also common that there are people with a disability that need to apply for SNAP.
Other beneficiaries even work. Working is no guarantee of getting enough money to get by. If you have a large family, you may not have enough with what you earn. Even if you have a large check every month, feeding a family of 6 or more is not cheap at all. Food, clothes, housing expenses, school, and so on.
What are the benefits of SNAP benefits in the population that receive it?
First and foremost, it helps people overcome difficult situations. Take for example the number of people who were out of work due to the pandemic restrictions. Others were severely affected by the recession and credit crunch a few years ago. Helping them survive avoided a lot of trouble like riots and thefts in stores.
People who receive SNAP improve their health condition immediately according to CBPP. It is a good way to get rid of the pressure of getting food every month. Especially if you are elderly or unable to work any longer. Children will definitely have better results at school because they can focus on the tasks.
Not eating properly causes a lack of attention. If they can focus, they will be able to finish their studies and not leave school to start working. If the new bill is approved, SNAP recipients will get tougher requirements to obtain it. It could particularly be harmful to those who live in areas where there are not many working opportunities.