Advocacy Groups Urge Delay on SNAP Changes Amid Shutdown

Significant changes to Utah’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are set to take effect on November 1, 2023, but advocacy groups are raising alarms due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The organization Utahns Against Hunger has expressed deep concerns about new food stamp rules that include expanded work requirements and exemptions, arguing that the timing is particularly troubling given the current uncertainty.

The executive director of Utahns Against Hunger, Gina Cornia, emphasized the complications arising from the shutdown. “So now we’re in the midst of a government shutdown, and the expectation is they will implement these changes on November 1, but we can’t call the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and get guidance on how to do that,” she stated. This lack of clarity poses a risk of increased error rates in benefit disbursement, as the organization has noted that training staff to handle policy changes often leads to mistakes in processing claims.

Local food pantries are bracing for heightened demand as individuals like Joseph Woodward, who relies on these services, express their worries. Woodward, a 70-year-old seeking work despite health issues, voiced his anxiety. “When we talk about the government shutdown, it makes me worried and stuff. How long and how exactly is this government shutdown going to affect everyone, especially lower-class Americans?” he said. His uncertainty about accessing food highlights the precarious situation many face as regulations shift.

Currently, adults under 56 without dependents must meet work requirements to retain their SNAP benefits after three months. The upcoming changes will raise the age threshold to 64, imposing additional requirements on some adults with children under 14. Cornia pointed out that this policy shift targets a particularly vulnerable demographic, suggesting that many individuals face significant barriers to employment.

In response to these anticipated changes, Utahns Against Hunger, alongside four other nonprofit organizations, has formally requested Governor Spencer Cox to delay the implementation of the new rules. They argue that postponing these changes would alleviate pressures on those who are already struggling. Cornia noted, “We wrote a letter to Governor Cox, who is the incoming chair of the Western Governors Association, asking him to reach out to other governors and advocate for a delay in the implementation of those work requirements.”

The advocacy group’s hope is that by pushing back the changes until the next federal fiscal year, they can mitigate the adverse effects on vulnerable populations. “We would love to see those changes reversed in future legislation, but I think for now pushing them off until the next federal fiscal year would be ideal,” Cornia added.

As the situation develops, the impact on Utah’s residents remains a pressing issue. The state’s vulnerable populations are in urgent need of support during this uncertain time, and advocacy efforts continue to highlight the importance of stability in food assistance programs.