One of the most relevant and well-known federal programs in the United States is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as "food stamps." This program provides low-income families with the resources necessary to purchase basic food and meet their nutritional needs.
Despite its importance, the SNAP program faces significant challenges as several legislators, primarily Republicans, seek to modify eligibility requirements in order to further restrict access to these benefits. Currently, bills to this end are being considered in four states, which could result in an imminent limitation of benefits for those who need them most.
The states of Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska and West Virginia are among those seeking to implement changes to the SNAP program.
For example, in Kentucky, House lawmakers voted to pass House Bill 367 in February. Passage of such legislative measures could trigger significant consequences for SNAP recipients in these states.
This bill would propose the implementation of a financial asset test and would tighten income requirements for SNAP recipients. In this regard, the gross income limit would be reduced from 200% of the federal poverty level to 130%. This means that fewer people would qualify for SNAP benefits, which would have a direct impact on the ability of low-income families to access needed food assistance.
In Maryland, Republican Representative Andy Harris has proposed a bill that seeks to restrict the foods that can be purchased using EBT cards. His goal is to eliminate unhealthy products from the options available to SNAP recipients.
In Nebraska, SNAP applicants would likely be required to participate in a work and training program, specifically the SNAP Next Step program. Currently, this program is voluntary, but is expected to become a requirement for applicants. In addition, this program would require all beneficiaries in good health to participate in it if they are not currently employed.
Finally, in the case of West Virginia, SB 562 would be implemented. This bill proposes that SNAP applicants in that state, who are between the ages of 17 and 60, participate in an employment and training program.
If the new bill passes, food assistance would be suspended for approximately 75,000 West Virginia residents. Unfortunately, this figure includes about 30,000 children.