SNAP Boosts the Economy, Reduces Hunger, and Improves Health

The Issue

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is the nation’s largest food assistance program. SNAP improves children’s health and academic performance, lifts children and families out of poverty, boosts the economy, and helps stabilize communities.

However, Congress is considering massive cuts to SNAP which would put the health and wellbeing of children, families, and communities at risk.

Key Findings

• 1 in 5 U.S. children receive SNAP benefits.
• In 99% of U.S. counties, SNAP benefits do not cover the cost of a modestly priced meal. 
• GDP increases by $1.5 billion when an additional $1 billion is invested in SNAP during economic downturns.

Recommendations

Administration

• Maintain the federal government’s responsibility to fund 100% of current SNAP benefit levels.

Work Requirements 

• Permanently eliminate work requirements for SNAP participants. 
• Expand voluntary SNAP job training programs. 

Benefits 

• Increase SNAP benefits to cover the cost of a modestly priced meal in every U.S. county.
• Expand programs that incentivize SNAP participants to purchase healthier foods, such as GusNIP. 

Eligibility 

• Streamline eligibility and enrollment processes and focus enrollment efforts on communities with low participation, including immigrants, people of color, and rural residents.
• Broaden SNAP eligibility to cover more college students, unemployed adults without children, and lawfully residing immigrants. 
• Eliminate the lifetime ban on SNAP participation for people with felony drug convictions.

Conclusion

SNAP is one of the most effective tools we have to combat poverty and build stronger, more resilient communities. By providing families with the resources they need to afford nutritious food, SNAP ensures that struggling households can get back on their feet. 

Congress’ plan to cut SNAP would jeopardize the health, education, and future of millions of children and families. The cuts would have widespread effects on communities–deepening inequality and weakening the foundation of local economies. Expanding on recent improvements to SNAP, rather than rolling them back, would help families thrive.