Food stamps

Two former U.S. secretaries of agriculture explain the importance of SNAP payments amidst the current pandemic.

The CARES Act coronavirus relief law has unintentionally abetted fraud.

Nearly 17.4 percent of kids aren't eating enough and 23 percent of households lack funds to get enough food while Congress remains deadlocked over expanding nutritional benefits.

More Americans are applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), but they're largely required to buy food in stores where they could contract Covid-19.

Democrats want a 15 percent increase in funding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), but Republicans say Trump is opposed to their proposals.

"Especially now, as a global pandemic poses widespread health risks, guaranteeing that government officials at both the federal and state levels have flexibility to address the nutritional needs of residents and ensure their well-being... is essential."

It's only right that farmers be compensated for this administration's trade war, but cutting food stamps for millions of Americans is unjustifiable cruelty.

Schools will be eligible under a federal program that provides reimbursement for every free breakfast and lunch.

"Unfortunately, automatic eligibility has expanded to allow even millionaires and others who simply receive a TANF-funded brochure to become eligible for SNAP when they clearly don't need it."

"Our findings suggest work requirements may increase the risk that families with working adults will lose access to nutrition, health care, housing, and cash assistance benefits if these policies do not account for scheduling practices prevalent in the low-wage job market," said the report.

Some low-wage workers are reluctant to accept promotions or raises because it will reduce their amount of government housing assistance and make it harder to make ends meet.

Some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients have already reportedly been turned away when trying to use food stamps.

Center for Urban Renewal and Education founder and president Star Parker claimed that shame associated with being on food stamps have diminished and citizens are now using them like a "debit card."

The Department of Agriculture proposed a rule Thursday that would make it more difficult for states to waive work requirements already in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

"There's not the same kind of stigma. And, you know, I'm not saying that there should be, but there should be some desire to not have to take a handout," Trish Regan said.

The new rule could limit legal immigration and affect access to health care.

President Donald Trump has credited the economy for falling food stamp enrollment numbers, but there may be a lot more to it.

"We have grown increasingly concerned about the nutrition policies being pushed by the Majority. Items you have outlined in your meetings with us and that have been reported in the press are a significant cause of concern," 19 Democratic House Committee on Agriculture members wrote in a joint letter to ranking member Congressman Collin Peterson Thursday.

Republicans want to cut food stamps, but they're already insufficient.

Amazon employs over 6,000 workers in the Buckeye State.

The budget will take over $150 billion away from SNAP, a program that helps low-income people keep food on the table.

And federal assistance does cover the cost of a nutritious meal, new research shows.

Almost 2 million fewer people are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits than were in 2016.

Trump's budget celebrates a cruel and virulent form of individualism – much like Trump himself.

To justify deep cuts, the White House contends people are taking advantage of anti-poverty programs, echoing decades-old talking points.

Most federal departments would be hit while Medicaid and the food stamp programs would lose almost a trillion dollars.

Philadonna Wade gets $480 in food stamps each month.

Revived rules designed to incentivize people looking for work result in the loss of benefits for 500,000 to 1 million people.

No More Twerk n' Jerk! Kansas House Bill 2258 bans government assistance money from being used on fun.

Unless Congress continues unemployment benefits, the new year is going to be tough for millions of jobless Americans.