New food stamp proposal could negatively impact working poor

By Makaila Jackson
Food stamps, formally known a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), was established 55 years ago to support Americans who needed help getting food. Recently, the Trump Administration announced changes to the program that are proving to be controversial.
The changes include taking a closer look at “broad-based categorical eligibility,” which prohibits states to automatically enroll residents to receive SNAP if they are already receiving minimal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The changes in the policy could affect nearly 3.1 million Americans who receive food assistance, that’s nearly 8 percent in the program. The government expects the new rules to cut $2.5 billion in SNAP spending.

Under the proposed rule, recipients who receive monetary benefits from TANF or non-cash benefits valued at least $50 per month for at least six months or are eligible for other non-cash benefits like subsidized employment, work supports, or childcare are set to not automatically receive SNAP benefits. For instance, a single mother of two, who makes just enough to cover her bills but relies on subsidized childcare to work, would not be considered for food stamps. This proposal targets recipients of TANF who have been saving money for emergencies, unexpected events or even those who own their homes. This proposal effects the “working-poor,” those who have a little more money than the typical considered low-income, which discourages these workers to try and gain more hours at work just to keep their SNAP benefits.

With Wayne County having the highest number of recipients of SNAP, the question becomes how will this affect their health? Wayne County leads the state with the number of residents who have diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and lack of oral care. Eight-five percent of recipients in Detroit who receive food stamps are below the poverty level, and in Detroit majority of the residents that are low-income suffer from chronic diseases which prompts concern for those of low socioeconomic status.

Senior citizens, those with disabilities and the working-class residents are targeted. One could argue that this change is an attack on those who need the assistance, an effort to keep low-income and fixed income individuals sick and poor. The removal of food stamps could lead to the decline in health for many residents. Without adequate and additional funds, it would be more difficult for recipients to purchase healthier food and would leave very few healthy options that are affordable.

Makaila Jackson is a Health Science student at Spelman College who is serving as a health policy intern at Authority Health this summer.