Food assistance for tens of thousands of Oregonian families could be affected as the administration proposes changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food benefits to qualifying low-income individuals and families. This is a critical service for members of our community, many of whom are paying more than a third of their income on housing alone.
The proposed rule changes would narrow income eligibility limits in Oregon and make those earning between 130-185% of the federal poverty level ineligible for SNAP benefits. That means a family of four making between $32,000 and $48,000 a year would no longer qualify for food assistance.
While 35,000 families will be affected by this rule change in Oregon, in total 3.1 million Americans would lose access to these benefits, should this rule change be adopted. The proposed rule changes would eliminate school lunches for children as well as deny benefits to seniors and individuals with disabilities.
You can learn more about these proposed cuts at the National Council on Aging or the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. You can also submit your comments directly to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The deadline to submit your comments is Monday, September 23.