This fall, hungry Minnesotans may be a little bit hungrier. Changes to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) will reduce benefits for every single recipient, and will completely eliminate them for some. First, a bit of history: these cuts will be reversing SNAP increases made in 2009 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. To provide support during the recession, SNAP benefits were given a modest boost and eligibility was expanded. Those increases came with expiration dates, though, and those dates are drawing near.
There will be two main changes to SNAP this fall. The first is a slight decrease in benefits across the board. The minimum benefit will be reduced from $16 to $15. The maximum benefit for a family of four will drop from $668 to $632.
The second change will completely eliminate benefits for some SNAP participants. Since 2009 there have been no time limits or work requirements for any SNAP recipients in Minnesota, but that’s about to change. For adults between the ages of 18 and 50, SNAP benefits will be limited to 3 months in a 36-month period unless the recipient is disabled, has dependents, or is working (or in job training) at least 80 hours per month.
We know that Minnesota’s economy has gotten better, which is why these benefit increases have expired. However, we also know that an improved job market hasn’t ended poverty. People still struggle with hunger; according to a report this month, one in ten Minnesota households is food insecure.
Larger SNAP cuts may still be looming, depending on how Congress resolves the Farm Bill debate. To reduce or eliminate SNAP benefits even further will only push more Minnesotans into hunger and its poor health and education outcomes. We must end Congress’ assault on SNAP and the hungry Americans it serves.
This fall, hungry Minnesotans may be a little bit hungrier. Changes to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) will reduce benefits for every single recipient, and will completely eliminate them for some. First, a bit of history: these cuts will be reversing SNAP increases made in 2009 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. To provide support during the recession, SNAP benefits were given a modest boost and eligibility was expanded. Those increases came with expiration dates, though, and those dates are drawing near.
There will be two main changes to SNAP this fall. The first is a slight decrease in benefits across the board. The minimum benefit will be reduced from $16 to $15. The maximum benefit for a family of four will drop from $668 to $632.
The second change will completely eliminate benefits for some SNAP participants. Since 2009 there have been no time limits or work requirements for any SNAP recipients in Minnesota, but that’s about to change. For adults between the ages of 18 and 50, SNAP benefits will be limited to 3 months in a 36-month period unless the recipient is disabled, has dependents, or is working (or in job training) at least 80 hours per month.
We know that Minnesota’s economy has gotten better, which is why these benefit increases have expired. However, we also know that an improved job market hasn’t ended poverty. People still struggle with hunger; according to a report this month, one in ten Minnesota households is food insecure.
Larger SNAP cuts may still be looming, depending on how Congress resolves the Farm Bill debate. To reduce or eliminate SNAP benefits even further will only push more Minnesotans into hunger and its poor health and education outcomes. We must end Congress’ assault on SNAP and the hungry Americans it serves.
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