NYS Health Foundation Comments on Proposed Changes to Limit SNAP Eligibility
The New York State Health Foundation (NYSHealth) appreciates the opportunity to respond to the proposed rule to limit the amount of time an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) can receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to 3 months in a 36-month period, unless the individual meets certain work requirements. Such a policy would harm low-income families, local economies, and farmers without increasing employment or earnings, and we urge that the rule not be implemented.
NYSHealth is a private, charitable foundation that works to improve the health of all New Yorkers, especially the most vulnerable. One of our key programs supports healthier communities in part by expanding access to affordable nutritious foods. For example, we invest in nutrition incentive programs such as the Double Up Food Bucks program, which provides matching funds for SNAP recipients to stretch their SNAP dollars to purchase more fresh fruits and vegetables. In New York City, we support GrowNYC, the first farmers market program in the nation to integrate SNAP into its markets. Our experience with this work has provided us with in-depth knowledge of the critical role that SNAP plays in addressing hunger and food insecurity for low-income New Yorkers...