Trump Admin. says SNAP is not meant for lifelong dependency
MILFORD, Del. – On Thursday, officials with the the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a proposed rule that would tighten restrictions on the use of food stamps to reduce long-term reliance on government assistance.
“We want that important backstop to be there for all folks I need it with a goal that folks access that assistance when they need it,” said community relations manager at the Food Bank of Delaware Chad Robinson.
The rule would require able-bodied adults without dependents to work or participate in an employment program for at least 20 hours a week to continue to receive these benefits. But local food bank officials say even if they do start to work some aren’t making enough to make ends meet,and would still need help– with putting food on their tables.
“Many folks are working poor and so they’re working but they’re still paying bills and they’re doing the things that we would want them to do but they still need that support and that’s where snap is a strong backstop,” said Robinson.
The proposed rule comes just weeks after lawmakers passed a $400 billion farm bill that local officials say they’re happy with, but when it comes to addressing the controversial assistance program they hope local lawmakers will make the right decision.
“While we are happy with that we continue to want to make sure that outside of that bill that snap programs are protected across government sector is so it’s there for those that need it,” said Robinson.
And local officials add that whatever the outcome may be they’re going to make it their mission to continue to provide food for each and every resident in the first state.
“We’re going to continue to do the important work that we do each day to make sure that there’s food on the plates of hungry Delawareans,” said Robinson.
The USDA is encouraging everyone to provide input on the proposed rule online which will be posted to the Federal Register in the coming days. They add that the comment period will be open for 60 days after the proposed rule is published.
