The USDA Proposes Increased Hunger
As a Dietitian who works for a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), I have seen countless families struggle to put fruit in the fridge, potatoes in the pantry, and turkey on the table. However, when they are able to receive assistance through government programs like the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), families express gratitude and appreciation for the help of these programs.
This week, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a proposal to reduce the access to food stamps for families that have assets and savings [1]. Most states will grant SNAP benefits to families who are already receiving benefits from other federal and state assistance without undergoing income eligibility checks [1]. The intention of this proposal is to bring this automatic eligibility process to a halt[1]. This may save billions of dollars as intended but at the expense of cutting 3 million people from the SNAP program[1].
It’s interesting how the USDA uses terms like “households.” We are talking about more than just physical “households,” we are talking about families. We are talking about children who 100% rely on their parents or caregivers to provide nutrition for them to grow, learn, and develop the way they have the right to. Good nutrition is crucial in the early years of a child’s life to fuel their bodies and brains so that they have a chance to reach their full potential. If they do not receive this, they could be at serious risk for negative consequences and chronic diseases into adulthood. While children are dependent on their caregivers to provide, working caregivers and caregivers suffering from disabilities are relying on the help of government assistance to help them have the money for nutritious foods for their families while they can put their hard earned money to the rent, utility, and medical bills. Cutting $3 million people from the SNAP program to “ restrict less needy individuals from qualifying for benefits” would also mean taking away automatic eligibility to the WIC program. The WIC program not only provides healthy nutritious foods, but also breastfeeding help and support, and consistent nutrition education and counseling to improve the health of women, infants, and children across the U.S. Guess what? Even the less needy are still needy. I would guess that there are many more people who actually need SNAP benefits than there are getting benefits through a loophole. I foresee increased hunger, illness, anxiety, stress, and depression amongst families if this proposal is accepted.
My professional lenses see moms missing meals so their kids can eat, and dads who over dilute infant formula so it can stretch until their next paycheck. My heart witnesses Diabetic patients who’ve had to sell necessities like refrigerators for money. I am repulsed at the unrelenting posture that does not support the integrity of familial health and well-being. Their lenses only see dollar signs while their hearts continue to drop to freezing temperatures.
Gaby McPherson
Works Cited
1. Reiley, Laura. “Trump Proposal Would Push 3 Million Americans off Food Stamps.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 23 July 2019, www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/07/23/usda-proposes-snap-change-that-would-push-million-americans-off-food-stamps/?utm_term=.d478f95ebe10.
