Come Friday, new rules kick in for SNAP benefits. If you don’t meet them, you could only get help for three months in a three-year period. This change comes as food banks, especially one in Joliet, brace for a surge in demand. Many of their volunteers are facing tough times, too.
Mindy Stone, a SNAP user, expressed concern about these updates. “Let people improve their situation, but don’t take away their ability to feed their kids,” she said. For Stone, health issues led her to rely on SNAP. Now, with the fresh requirements, she must work or volunteer at least 20 hours a week to keep receiving benefits.
“This will cause more anxiety and desperation in society over food and jobs,” Stone added. Changes from the previous administration expanded SNAP age limits but tightened eligibility criteria. Specifically, dependent age dropped to 14, leaving many families at risk of losing support if they fail to meet the new requirements.
Exemptions exist for certain situations, like mental or physical health issues, pregnancy, or caring for someone unable to care for themselves. But life can change quickly; a sudden health issue or job loss can leave someone without resources.
“There are limits to what we can do to fill this gap,” said Jen Lamplough, Chief Impact Officer at Northern Illinois Food Bank. She anticipates between 21,000 to 41,000 people may lose SNAP benefits.
Steven Harold, a former SNAP beneficiary, now works at a food bank. He believes volunteering has changed his life. “It really does make a difference,” he said.
On May 9, the Northern Illinois Food Bank will hold a pop-up market, expecting between 800 and 1,600 families to attend. The urgency for food support has never been clearer. Data from the USDA shows that food insecurity affects 10.5% of households in the U.S., underscoring the importance of such programs and the pressures these new rules create.
In the wake of these changes, it’s vital to stay informed and engaged in the community, ensuring support for those in need.
For more information about the SNAP program and its requirements, you can visit the USDA SNAP website.
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