Some 12,000 New Jersey residents stand to lose federal food assistance next year due to a Trump administration program change. Saying he is returning the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to its intended purpose as temporary help in tough times, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue announced last Thursday the finalization of the rule.
The USDA’s rule change will limit states’ ability to continue to provide SNAP payments to able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 without dependents. States have been able to receive waivers from SNAP work requirements for areas with high unemployment. The new rule puts stricter standards on states that seek a waiver. Able-bodied adults aged 18 to 49, without dependents, who live in areas where unemployment is less than 10% will have to work 20 hours a week to continue to get benefits.
This change will, likely, increase the pressure on Food Banks and other non-profit meal providers.
Contact: Jon Moran, Senior Legislative Analyst, jmoran@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x121.