Over the last weeks, we’ve covered several topics that outline the numerous ways Americans face food insecurity within our food system. Over the next weeks, I will go through some of the ways America has addressed the shortfalls of its current food model, offering some solutions to a big question – How do we give more people access to nutritious food?
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Formerly known as Food Stamps, SNAP is administered under the USDA under the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). SNAP is the largest nutrition program administered under the FNS. In 2019, 38 million Americans, or 12% of the population, received SNAP benefits. The benefits are distributed by specific departments of states, such as Health and Human Services. Benefit amounts are determined by household size and composition.
SNAP benefits are used to purchase food for the household. In 2018, the average SNAP household received $256 per month, about $1.40 per meal.
A list of what can and cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits can be found via the USDA website below:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items
Because SNAP is a means-tested program, recipients must meet all eligibility criteria in order to receive benefits. If an applicant fails to meet even just one of the criteria, they will not receive benefits. Criteria range from income requirements, to resource requirements, to work requirements, to immigrant status and eligibility. Currently, one of the most challenging requirements is the work requirement, especially in areas of the country with high unemployment rates. When policymakers tighten SNAP requirements or tighten the criteria for obtaining work waivers, Americans cannot obtain these needed benefits and continue to face food insecurity.
As we have discussed in previous Food Justice Fridays, under the current American food model, the food that is often the best for you is most likely the most expensive. Raw produce, fish and grains simply cost more. When an individual is faced with food scarcity, they will naturally cut the things that cost the most. Maintaining an ideal and healthy diet is nearly impossible for low to no income families that qualify for SNAP benefits. Once again, people eat what they can access.
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
Another federal assistance program under the FNS, WIC provides healthcare and nutrition of low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children under the age of five. WIC serves over 50% of infants born in the United States. Applicants to the WIC program must meet eligibility requirements in four areas: categorical, residential, income and nutrition risk. Often, states will allow automatic income eligibility. If an applicant is participating in a program such as SNAP or Medicaid, they will automatically meet the requirements for WIC.
WIC participants receive supplemental nutrition as well as a number of other services, including the following: formula, nutrition education and screening, access to healthcare screenings and other social services and breastfeeding support.
One of the strengths of the WIC program is that participants are allowed access to more nutrient dense foods. The food items provided by WIC are juice, milk, cereal, cheese, eggs, fruits and vegetables, whole wheat bread, whole grain items including brown rice and tortillas, canned fish (for exclusively breastfed mothers), legumes and peanut butter. The program also provides tofu, soy milk and medical foods for children and women with various metabolic or other diseases. Additionally, organic fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains are covered under WIC.
Another strength of the WIC program is that WIC has dramatically reduced healthcare costs by providing prenatal services and by promoting breastfeeding. Studies have shown that women who receive prenatal WIC services have lower hospital costs for both them and their infants than women who did not receive WIC services.
One challenge to the WIC program is the program’s requirements, namely the appointments. Mothers reporting unplanned pregnancies, fewer social supports and more structural barriers, such as transportation were less likely to participate in WIC.
EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer)
EBT Cards are a federally-funded payment option offered at participating stores. SNAP distributes funds for purchasing food via EBT cards, which resemble debit cards. Once an applicant is approved for benefits, an account is established in the recipient’s name, and their SNAP benefits are deposited electronically in this account each month.
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SNAP and WIC are just two ways we address the nation’s food insecurity. They are not perfect, but they certainly help, and their impact can be felt. Without these programs, a large percentage of America’s population would face a greater threat of hunger.
Below is a SNAP fact sheet for Tennessee. I was surprised to learn that 1 in 8 of residents here in our state rely on this crucial program. Another fact that surprised me was the economic impact of the SNAP program. However, when you think about it, it makes sense. When a recipient receives their SNAP benefits, they are likely to go out and spend them as soon as they can, and that money goes back into the economy.
To check out fact sheets for the other states, check out the link below:
https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/a-closer-look-at-who-benefits-from-snap-state-by-state-fact-sheets#Alabama
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Are you located in Tennessee?
Do you (or someone you know) need to apply for benefits?
Follow the links below, or use the QR codes provided.
