How Budget Reconciliation Bill will Impact SNAP in Idaho
The SNAP program helps provide healthy foods to low-income families. The budget reconciliation bill would shift the cost of at least 5% of this program to the State of Idaho, generating $14M in new state spending each year.
The budget reconciliation bill passed by the House would shift the cost of at least 5% of the cost of Idaho SNAP benefits to the State of Idaho. This would result in at least $14 million in new state spending each year. If Idaho is unable to absorb those costs, then reductions in SNAP benefits, restricting eligibility, or raising taxes will be necessary. It also:
• Expands work or job training requirements and more restrictive SNAP time limits for older adults and parents. Individuals up to age 65 would be subject to work requirements to receive SNAP. SNAP currently includes work requirements and phases out benefits as income rises.
• Limits future updates to the formula used to set SNAP benefits to reflect rising food costs and the cost of eating a nutritious diet. Today, the average benefit is still only about $6 per person per day.
• Eliminates funding for the Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program, which provides education about nutrition and healthy eating for SNAP beneficiaries.
- 135,000 Idahohans currently use SNAP
- 51% Have Children
- 34% Have an Elderly Adult
- 56% Have a person with a disability
What Can You Do to Help?
Contact Senator Crapo and Senator Risch and ask them to reject budget reconciliation language that would lead to SNAP funding cuts or threaten the effectiveness of the program.
CEO of The Idaho Foodbank
Randy Ford
The Charitable Food Network Cannot Fill the Gap, The Idaho Foodbank and our statewide network of partners are committed to nourishing Idaho communities. But we will not be able fill the gap left by reduced federal assistance.” Says Randy Ford CEO of The Idaho Foodbank
What is SNAP?
- SNAP (formerly called Food Stamps) helps alleviate hunger by providing funds to purchase food for households with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level (an income of $33,566 per year for a family of three)
- SNAP primarily serves working families, seniors, veterans, and children. Of Idaho households enrolled in SNAP 51% have children, 34% have an elderly adult, and 56% have a person with a disability. *
- SNAP cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, non-food items, or hot prepared foods.
- It is the largest anti-hunger program in America. Currently 135,000 Idahoans use SNAP.
Why SNAP is important:
- SNAP has been shown to reduce childhood food insecurity and the negative impact on cognitive and academic development as children grow older. Also, it allows families to transition to self-sufficiency and financial stability.
- SNAP not only allows families to purchase much-needed healthy food, but it also makes a positive impact on the local economy. Every dollar in SNAP benefits spent generates an additional $1.50 in local economic activity, helping create revenue for local food retailers and food producers.
- SNAP is an important part of the safety net that pairs with the charitable food provided by food banks. For every 1 meal provided by the nationwide network of food banks, SNAP provides 9 meals.
What Can You Do to Help?
Contact Senator Crapo and Senator Risch and ask them to reject budget reconciliation language that would lead to SNAP funding cuts or threaten the effectiveness of the program.
