Letter: SNAP changes would hurt working poor

Tuesday May, 2018

Congress should oppose reducing essential program.

Editor:

Millions of children in America live in families that struggle to put food on the table. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is one of the most powerful tools we have to end hunger and make sure children get the basic nutrition they need to learn, stay healthy and grow up strong.

The new farm bill recently released by the House Agriculture Committee would make it harder for families to access SNAP benefits. Instead of helping families get back on their feet, the policies in this bill would increase hunger and poverty in America.

The proposed legislation would hurt working families in low-wage jobs because it eliminates a provision that gives states flexibility to help working families avoid an abrupt reduction or loss of benefits. SNAP benefits are linked to certification for school meals, so this could also lead to tens of thousands of kids losing access to the free school lunch and breakfast they need.

While a good job is the best pathway out of hunger and poverty, the bill would impose new, punitive work requirements. A substantial number of low-income families would lose benefits as they struggle to find affordable child care, transportation or adequate work hours.

Missing work to care for a sick child or due to a broken transmission shouldn't mean losing your ability to eat.

I am urging Congress to oppose changes to SNAP that would make it harder for low-income children and families to get the nutrition they need.

Kathie E. Takush
Reading

SNAP changes would hurt working poor