Deadline Extended: Comments on Proposed SNAP Rule Now Accepted through April 10th
Tell USDA, "Don't Take Food From People Looking for Work."

In recognition of technical issues that prevented some comments from being posted to the Federal Register, USDA has re-opened the comment period  for the SNAP Time Limit Rule changes from Monday, April 8th through  Wednesday, April 10th . If you weren't able to submit comments previously, there's still time! Submit your comments to tell USDA to not take food away from low-income childless adults struggling to find enough work hours and make ends meet.



There are many reasons to oppose USDA's proposed SNAP rule, but they all come back to one main point--cutting people off SNAP is not an effective way to boost their economic security.The USDA proposal is objectionable not only because it attempts to side-step Congress, by using rulemaking to overrule bipartisan consensus codified in the 2018 Farm Bill, but also for lack of justification. The agency provides no evidence to support their claim that these changes would encourage more of the SNAP participants who are subject to the time limit to engage in meaningful work activities.

There is, however, substantial evidence that links SNAP participation to lasting improvements in health and economic security . SNAP works--harsh work requirements don't .

Some of the many reasons to oppose this harmful regulation:
  • Many of those who'd be subject to a time limit on SNAP are workers , but the low-wage labor market is volatile , and they turn to SNAP when hours get cut or pay is too low.
     
  • Many of those who don't work have health conditions that limit their ability to work, or face structural barriers that make work hard to find. This includes:
    • People of color , particularly Black and Hispanic Americans, whom structural racism continues to exclude from economic opportunities.  
    • Women - who are overrepresented in low-wage work, and more likely to face workforce discrimination and harassment.
    • Justice-involved individuals whose criminal record makes it difficult to secure housing, employment, and access to education .
    • LBGTQ+ people who experience violence, discrimination, and social stigma that limits their ability to access jobs, education, and health care.
    • Young adults , including former foster youth, who face high unemployment and difficulty finding jobs that pay a living wage.
       
  • Work requirements don't cut poverty, and there's evidence to support this claim .
If this administration actually wanted to increase economic security among this population, it should increase access to education and workforce development services , rather than cut people off vital food assistance.

Act now to stop this harmful regulation!
Here's how you can help stop this proposal from becoming law:
  1. Submit a comment in opposition to the rule. 
    Download template comments  here.
    Submit your comments by April 10th, 2019. *NOTE: If you use this Feeding America comment portal, you can submit any time between now and the new deadline of April 10th. If you use the federal register or www.regulations.gov portal, you will not be able to upload your comments until April 8th.
     
  2. Spread the word! 
    After adding your comment on the rule, encourage at least two people in your network to do the same. Every comment helps!
Learn more and stay informed by signing up for CFPA's Federal Advocacy updates.  link

Questions? Contact Jared Call  jared@cfpa.net or Gabby Tilley gabby@cfpa.net