SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is facing a major cut from the current administration. Under this proposal, 3.1 million people could lose their SNAP benefits due to the administration cutting the “broad based categorical eligibility” policy—including Nourishing Hope clients. One client, Meredith*, has a part-time job and works hard to support her family of four. Meredith and her husband (who also works) rely on their SNAP benefits to help feed their two children.
What is “broad based categorical eligibility” (BBCE)?
The broad based categorical eligibility (BBCE) allows low-income people to qualify for SNAP based on their ability to qualify for other government programs.
Who will this change primarily affect? The answer: Working families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Many people use SNAP to help them work toward self-sufficiency, but this change will create a “benefits cliff,” meaning that someone could lose all their benefits if they took a pay increase or worked more hours. Currently, SNAP slowly tapers off as someone earns/works more.
Not only would this affect 3.1 million people, including Meredith, but the change includes 500,000 children losing access to free school meals!
SNAP and Nourishing Hope
At Nourishing Hope, we count on SNAP to help fill the gaps we cannot. We are able to offer two weeks’ worth of groceries, and clients like Meredith often turn to SNAP benefits to make it through the rest of the month. If our clients lost their SNAP benefits, we would have a difficult time making up that difference—and our clients could go hungry.
Your voice matters! We can fight this perilous proposed change by submitting public comments. It just takes a few minutes to let the current administration know you oppose making it harder for kids and families to get food.
Please click here to submit your comment before Monday, Sept. 23, and click here to learn more about how you can support Nourishing Hope’s programs and connect our clients with the resources they deserve.
*Client name has been changed to protect identity.