Advocacy Groups Urge Delay of SNAP Changes Amid Shutdown

Concerns are escalating over impending changes to the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits in Utah, set to take effect on November 1, 2023. Advocacy groups, including Utahns Against Hunger, are urging a delay in implementing new food stamp regulations due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The proposed changes include expanded work requirements and increased age limits for beneficiaries, which critics argue could adversely affect vulnerable populations.

Gina Cornia, executive director of Utahns Against Hunger, has voiced serious concerns regarding the timing of these changes. With the federal government shut down, she noted the lack of guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), making it difficult to implement the new rules effectively. “The expectation is that they will implement these changes on November 1, but we can’t call the USDA to get guidance on how to do that,” Cornia stated.

Local food pantries are bracing for a surge in demand as the shutdown complicates access to food assistance. Cornia emphasized that error rates in benefit distribution often increase during policy transitions due to inadequate training and preparation. “As people are getting trained and up to speed, errors tend to go up. The error is the number of overpayments and underpayments added together because of recent changes in Congress,” she explained.

For individuals like Joseph Woodward, who depend on food pantries, the uncertainty surrounding the government shutdown is overwhelming. “It makes me worried,” Woodward said. “How long and how exactly is this government shutdown going to affect everyone, especially those in lower-income brackets?”

At 70 years old, Woodward is actively seeking employment, but his medical history complicates his efforts. He expressed frustration about the potential new rules, stating, “The government shouldn’t be so hard on homeless people and those who are struggling.”

Currently, adults under the age of 56 without dependents must meet specific work requirements to retain SNAP benefits after three months. Under the proposed regulations, this age limit would increase to 64, potentially affecting more individuals in need.

Corina, another advocate, highlighted the challenges faced by those with barriers to employment. “What you’re looking at now is a very vulnerable population with a lot of barriers to work, and states aren’t getting the resources they need to serve this population,” she said.

In response to these concerns, Utahns Against Hunger, along with four other nonprofits, has sent a letter to Governor Spencer Cox, requesting a delay in the new regulations. “We asked him to reach out to other governors and write a letter to the Trump administration asking for a delay in the implementation of those work requirements,” Cornia noted.

Advocacy groups are pushing for the postponement of these changes until the end of the federal fiscal year. “We would love to see those changes reversed in future legislation, but for now, delaying them would be best, especially during the government shutdown,” Cornia added.

As the situation unfolds, the implications of these changes remain a pressing concern for many Utahns. With the potential for increased demand on food assistance programs amid a government shutdown, the call for action from advocacy organizations reflects the urgent need to address food security for vulnerable populations.