The following is an op-ed piece written by JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry Director, Matthew Bolton:
The United States Department of Agriculture has proposed a rule change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) that would add more work requirements for SNAP recipients. The JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry strongly opposes this change.
The change is part of an executive order that seeks to “improve employment outcomes and economic independence.” But taking food away from people who do not have jobs does not create jobs for them or adequate education or job training. And low-paying jobs don’t support families enough to replace that food.
Current SNAP regulations were approved by Congress in last fall’s reauthorization of the Farm Bill. In fact, a measure similar to the USDA’s proposal was defeated. Why should the USDA be allowed to change Congress’ will?
This rule change is in the public comment phase. You can register your comment at jfcspgh.org/publiccomment and click “Comment Now” in the upper right hand corner.
SNAP remains one of the most efficient, effective programs in the social safety net. Let’s not purposely subject more people to food insecurity as they struggle to make their way.
Matthew Bolton
Greenfield