US Legislators Review Proposed Modifications to Food Program Benefitting 600,000 Residents in Colorado

Congress Considers Major Changes to SNAP, Impacting Hundreds of Thousands in Colorado

DENVER — The future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a vital food assistance program benefiting more than 600,000 Coloradans, is at stake as U.S. Congress debates significant changes. With SNAP usage rising 38% in the last five years, many families rely on its support amid escalating food prices.

Sarah Mason from Feeding Colorado highlights the program’s impact, stating that SNAP provides significantly more meals compared to food banks, delivering nine meals for every one provided through such services.

However, Republicans in the U.S. House are pushing to reduce SNAP spending, citing concerns over waste and fraud, which the Government Accountability Office estimates could cost taxpayers between $1 billion and $4.7 billion annually. U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden emphasized that each dollar lost to fraud is a dollar that could feed a hungry child.

The Republican strategy, part of the Farm, Food and National Security Act, aims for a $30 billion reduction in SNAP spending over the next decade. Analysts at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicate that this could lead to monthly benefit cuts of about $7 to $15 per person, eventually equating to a loss of meals for needy families. Mason warned that such cuts would heighten demand on Colorado’s food banks.

In contrast, Senate Democrats propose to expand SNAP eligibility for military families and college students while also studying the possibility of allowing recipients to purchase hot foods, a current restriction. Both parties, however, agree on eliminating the lifetime ban on SNAP access for individuals with felony drug convictions.

With the deadline for the current farm bill approaching, Congress is likely to extend existing provisions rather than finalizing a new bill. Future SNAP adjustments will ultimately fall to the incoming Congress.

Source
Photo credit www.denver7.com