Nearly one out of four DC residents qualify for food stamps. Over the past weekend, these residents found out this assistance will buy fewer apples, beans, broccoli crowns and other nutritious food items per month. That’s because on November 1, food stamps ‘ now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP ‘ experienced a significant cut due to the expiration of additional funds provided by the 2009 federal stimulus. Families who rely on food stamps to keep healthy food on the table and in cupboards should make sure they maximize food benefits.
Food stamps give a boost to households who earn up to 130 percent of the federal poverty level, which for a family of three is about $25,000. Many of these families have adults working full-time; a minimum wage job in DC pays about $17,000 a year. According to www.neighborhoodinfodc.org, DC has seen a 61 percent increase in residents using food stamps since 2007. That amounts to 144,000 DC residents, including half of DC’s children.
How can DC government and advocates help SNAP recipients?
- Encourage Eligible SNAP Recipients To Claim Dependent Care Deduction
DC’s Department of Human Services can make it easier for families on SNAP to subtract dependent care costs from their income, resulting in a higher SNAP benefit. By allowing family heads to self-verify their expense, more families will claim this rarely used deduction. DHS also can allow parents to include transportation costs as a part of their dependent care expenses.
- Educate SNAP Families About Additional Assistance If They Care For Elderly Family Members
Families who are responsible for certain expenses, like child care or care for an elderly family member, can receive more food assistance if they report these responsibilities.
- Make SNAP Recipients Aware of Other Federal Assistance
SNAP recipients who find that the cuts deal a huge blow to their ability to purchase food can seek out other federal programs like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), school breakfast and lunch, afterschool meals, and senior nutrition programs.
DC Hunger Solutions worked with the Department of Human Services to put together this great video to help those directly affected by the cuts. Check out the video, and please, share with anyone you know that needs help.
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