The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing another change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that, if enacted, would mean more hungry families in our community.
In determining who is eligible for SNAP, the USDA wants to change how utility costs are calculated. Today, states have the flexibility to calculate that cost, called the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA), based on what people actually pay, accounting for fluctuations based on seasons, location and household size. USDA seeks to change SUA to a single average figure for each state, with caps for each utility category.
What does that mean? It means SNAP eligibility will take a cookie-cutter approach rather than one that is equitable and reflects the real needs of real people. Most importantly, it means many more ALICE households will lose access to nutritional food. (ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—working individuals and families who struggle financially.)
Earlier this year, USDA proposed limiting categorical eligibility—allowing low-income people who get help through other government programs to also get access to SNAP. That change, still under review, is estimated to leave 3.1 million people without SNAP support, including 1,900 people in our region. The SUA change will likely put even more families at risk.
United Way believes no person should have to face a day without food. While some may raise concerns about how SNAP is administered, kicking millions of people out of the program isn’t the answer. It will hurt struggling families, especially the older adults and children.
Here’s What You Can Do
Write to USDA and encourage them to keep the current SUA process so ALICE individuals and families won’t go hungry. USDA is taking public comment on the proposed rule change through Monday, Dec. 2. Click on this link for details on how to submit a comment online or by mail. Although USDA can make this change without involving Congress, you can contact your representatives and ask them to stand up for SNAP and ALICE. Here are links to the websites for federal lawmakers from our region:
