Policymakers at all levels must protect this vital public program, which helps low-income individuals buy groceries and make ends meet.

What is it?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, previously called food stamps) is the nation's first line of defense against hunger, helping more than 28 million residents meet their basic food needs in a dignified manner. Nearly half of all SNAP recipients are children.

SNAP has a very complex set of rules and regulations. Some are created by the federal government; others are created by the state. Generally speaking, SNAP policies fall into three main categories: Application Procedures, Interview Procedures and Documentation Requirements.

These policies exist to ensure that only people who are eligible for SNAP benefits receive them. Here at the Coalition Against Hunger, we work to ensure that SNAP policies at the local, state and federal levels are fair, smart and promote access to benefits for low-income individuals and families.
 
Who Does it Affect?
Low-Income Individuals: Complex rules, intimidating paperwork and crowded County Assistance Offices are barriers to participation in SNAP. Restrictive policies (such as eligibility limits for college students and some legal immigrants) increase hunger in our communities.

On the other hand, inclusive policies, such as Pennsylvania’s 2009 decision to raise the income limit for SNAP, encourage more needy families to participate in the program. These policies improve the overall health and productivity of our communities.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, food banks and shelters: SNAP policy affects programs that feed and support those suffering most from hunger. By supporting fair, smart SNAP policies that promote access, these emergency assistance programs can stretch their limited resources by ensuring that their clients have a reliable food budget for months to come.

The General Public: SNAP policy affects all of us, whether or not we are applying for benefits. SNAP is one of our nation’s few remaining entitlements and is 100% federally funded (with 50% of administrative expenses paid for by the state). Like Social Security or Medicare, SNAP is there for all of us if we need it.

Research shows that SNAP benefits boosts the local economic activity,  so increasing SNAP participation is good for both Pennsylvania and Philadelphia.

How Can You Help?
SNAP policy decisions are made at several different levels, so it is important to communicate messages of change to those capable of implementing new ideas, specifically:

1. Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture: Federal administrators of SNAP who sets most application, interview and documentation policies
2. Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare: State administrators of SNAP who sets most administrative procedures and some documentation requirements
3. U.S. Congress: Every five years, Congress reviews SNAP policies at the federal level as part of the Farm Bill and can implement sweeping change. The most recent Farm Bill was passed in 2008.

The Coalition Against Hunger continually works on multiple aspects of SNAP policy.

• Read more about our efforts to increase access to SNAP benefits for people in emergency need of food.

Sign up for our eNewsletter to keep up to date on our advocacy efforts.