H.R.2809: Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 2019
Overview
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides nutrition benefits to families to increase well-being. It is currently the largest food assistance program in the country, serving approximately 9.5 million families. SNAP can be an essential support to lift families and older adults out of poverty and provide food security. Nearly half of all SNAP participants are children.
Federal eligibility is limited to people who make at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty line, and there is a three-month time restriction during a three-year period on benefits for able-bodied adults unless they are working 80 hours a month. State SNAP edibility varies, but generally depends on amount of countable resources, income, and household size, etc. in addition to federal requirements. SNAP benefits are distributed monthly through electronic debit cards (EBT).
The National Assembly supports legislation that makes SNAP more readily available to those who need it.
The Improving Access to Nutrition Act would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to repeal a work requirement that disqualifies able-bodied adults for eligibility in the Supplemental SNAP. This would effectively lift the three-month time limit on benefits for able-bodied adults.
Talking Points
- The existing limits on able-bodied adults without dependents do not account for the large amount of jobs with low wages, unreliable hours, or little to no benefits.
- All people deserve access to supports and services, like SNAP, that increase well-being.
- The National Assembly supports The Improving Access to Nutrition Act, as it increases the availability of benefits so that we can all thrive.