On Tuesday, July 23, the Trump administration was expected to announce a rule change that would fundamentally alter how Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are administered. Under the proposed rule change, over 3 million people would lose access to SNAP benefits, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This is the latest in a series of moves during this presidential administration that have attempted to scale back SNAP access, despite overwhelming resistance from health and education leaders. In 2018, Congress refused to include the Trump administration's proposed SNAP restrictions in the new Farm Bill.   

The new rule change would put a hard stop on benefits for those earning 130% or more of the poverty line, even when the added cost of food would push recipients back below that line. Currently, at least 40 states utilize a "broad-based categorical eligibility option" to address basic food needs of families who may have myriad other financial complications or restrictions placing them in jeopardy of hunger despite gross income over the dollar line for SNAP. The rule change would limit or eliminate the state programs.  Additionally, those who receive benefits through  Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) would be required to pass an income review that determines whether they're eligible for SNAP . This would directly impact food security for hundreds of thousands of children in the U.S.

"By undercutting this option, the proposed rule will only fuel rates of hunger and food insecurity by taking food off the tables of working individuals and families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities," said Jim Weill, President of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). "It will create a sicker and poorer nation by denying struggling households the food assistance they need for a healthy, productive life. It will put children's health and learning at risk by removing their access to healthy school meals. It will also harm the economy, grocery retailers, and agricultural producers by reducing the amount of SNAP dollars available to spur local economic activity."

As of 2017, approximately 42 million people receive SNAP benefits, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. In Illinois, more than 63% of SNAP participants are members of families that include children.

Any rule change is expected to be accompanied by a 60-day period for comments. Please monitor your inbox this week for calls to action from CLOCC and our partners. 

• 3 Million Could Lose Food Stamp Benefits Under Trump Administration Proposal - NPR
   
• Trump Administration Proposal Could Kick 3 Million Off Food Stamps - CNN
   
• The Trump Administration Is Moving to End Food Stamps for 3 Million People - Time

The Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC) will host free
5-4-3-2-1 Go!®  message training opportunities on Friday, August 2nd in Englewood and Friday, August 30th, in Rogers Park. Both events are now open for registration. 

5-4-3-2-1 Go! is the Consortium's evidenced-based, public education message containing recommendations for children and families to promote a healthy lifestyle.  Developed in 2004 and launched as a mass-media campaign in 2009,  5-4-3-2-1 Go!  has reached millions of individuals in communities throughout Chicago and beyond.

These free, provider-oriented training opportunities will include:

ENGLEWOOD - KELLY LIBRARY

Date: Friday, August 2, 2019
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Chicago Public Library - Kelly Branch, 6151 S. Normal Blvd., 
Chicago, IL, 60621

The Kelly Branch of the Chicago Public Library has street parking available and is accessible via public transit. Please use the Red Line (63rd St. station), Green Line (Halsted St. station) or CTA Bus Route 63.

Date: Friday, August 30, 2019
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Loyola Park Field House, 1230 W Greenleaf Ave,
Chicago, IL 60626

Loyola Park is located on the Lakefront, and is a short, 10-minute walk from the Morse station of the CTA Red Line. Additionally, metered parking is available in two nearby lots.