SNAP is first line of defense

By Leslee Sandberg

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Who among us is among the most vulnerable for food security - knowing when their next meal will be? It's our neighbors - children and elderly, and working people trying hard to afford food, rent, utilities, child care.

The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) is the first line of defense against hunger in America. In 2012, SNAP lifted 4 million people out of poverty. SNAP is also one of the most efficient federal programs, with a 96 percent accuracy rate. Despite its success, the House of Representatives voted to cut SNAP funding by $39 billion over 10 years. These cuts will force millions of people off SNAP and deny free school lunch to 210,000 children. Congress should do more to protect hungry Americans.

Here are some myths and data-based facts about SNAP:

Myth: Americans want SNAP funding to be cut.

Fact: 77% of all voters (and 63 percent of Republican voters) oppose cutting SNAP to reduce government spending. 81 percent of all voters say hunger is a serious problem in the country today.

Source: Hart Research Associates, “Public Opinion On Food Stamps.”

Myth: SNAP is a drain on taxpayers.

Fact: Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.73 in economic activity, according to Moody's economist Mark Zandi. SNAP helps low-income people buy groceries and frees up cash for other expenses, such as medical care, clothing and child care. That benefits local businesses and their employees.

Myth: SNAP enables lazy people to live well on society's dime.

Fact: The average SNAP benefit equates to roughly $1.40 per meal per day. In most cases, the money runs out before the month ends, forcing families to rely on charity to eat.

Source: Mazon, “8 Myths About Hunger in America”

Myth: Most SNAP benefits go to people who could be working.

Fact: Most SNAP recipients are children or elderly. Working-age women are 28 percent of the caseload, working-age men 16 percent.

Source: USDA

It is beyond comprehension that our government, our Iowa senators and members of the House, would turn their backs on children and people who are elderly and make further cuts into the SNAP program.

How long will charity be able to supply the food that increasing numbers of hungry people need? Non-profits have declining budgets. Will you step up and stay committed to feed your neighbor who is hungry? I hope the answer is a resounding yes.

But people will still be hungry and need assistance. Let our congressional representatives know we care about our neighbors and don't want any further cuts in SNAP.

Leslee Sandberg of Cedar Rapids is a retired educator and a member of RESULTS. Comments: LesleeDS@aol.com