Food stamp recipients could face new work requirements

The Farm Bill will soon expire on September 30, and now congressional leaders are continuing closed-door negotiations before a vote is expected.

The bill will modify agriculture and nutrition policies, including those in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) more commonly known as food stamps. Beneficiaries would face new work requirements under the proposed bill.

Louisiana District Five Congressman Ralph Abraham said, “We want to make sure that the SNAP benefit goes to the people who need it the most. Basically, just a healthy individual that has fallen on hard times, we want that SNAP for that stop gap, but then we want that person to get that good job.”

The goal of the reform is self-sufficiency. The work requirement applies to adults aged 18 – 59 years, but there are exemptions including parents of young children, the elderly, and disabled.

Congressman Abraham said absolutely no one will lose benefits or face reductions with the new work requirement. But for those who choose to not adhere, he said, “If they opt not to participate in those work requirements then that's certainly their business.”

It is something most Americans support. According to the American Enterprise Institute and LA Times, 87% of Americans support work requirements, including 81% of the poor. The Foundation for Government Accountability said 90% of all voters (97% GOP, 82% Dem) support working, job training or volunteering part-time.

Although it is a noble initiative, many nutrition programs like food banks will also be affected.

“Yes we are concerned that there may be additional pressure put on the food bank from these clients coming off the programs,” said The Food Bank of Central Louisiana Executive Director Jayne Wright-Velez.

There are also hurdles facing SNAP beneficiaries that prevent some from working. Wright-Valez said, “Many of our clients don't read well so literacy is an issue with getting a job as well. You have to be able to read to do just about anything.”

But Rep. Abraham promises job training and education in the bill. Those who cannot work can attend job preparation programs, education centers, or even volunteer.

“And by the way, if they can't find that job, we're going to actually pay for that education,” said Rep. Abraham.

But another problem is transportation in rural areas. The Food Bank of CENLA services 11 parishes from the Sabine River to the Mississippi River and some communities are not as urban.

“If you don't have a car and you live in a very rural community, getting to and from work is a challenge. Getting to and from training sessions or classes that might be offered to help you get a job is very difficult,” said Wright-Valez.

Now the nutrition program is preparing to see an increase in clients and talking with congressional leaders to be sure the program is implemented well.

“So it's not just a switch that's tripped overnight and all of a sudden you have thousands of people who have no food,” said Wright-Valez. “And that it can accomplish what it's actually designed to do that is help people be self-sufficient.”