By Mason Crane-Bolton
At NJFA we are very disturbed by the effects of this proposed cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise known as SNAP (food stamps). New Jersey is directly and especially impacted by reductions to SNAP. In our high-cost state, reductions and restrictions to SNAP would eliminate tens of thousands of individuals and families from the program who desperately need food assistance in order to eat regularly; this number includes over an estimated 15,000 individuals over 60 years old.
If the proposed cuts were to pass it is estimated 3.1 million people nationwide would lose their SNAP coverage, and while our focus is always on the state of New Jersey at NJFA, we cannot allow or afford to let hundreds of thousands of older adults and families lose their SNAP coverage and risk malnutrition and hunger.
Additionally, we must consider how the reductions in SNAP benefits would affect the rest of New Jersey. It is estimated that $33 million dollars would be lost in money going to local businesses as a result of the reduction in SNAP dollars coming into New Jersey. These are local businesses that not only help the state help seniors through a stronger economy, but they are also community contributors who help improve the quality of life for older adults in New Jersey.
Today we urge you to learn more about the proposed cuts to SNAP and to speak out about your thoughts on SNAP. Speak within and outside of your circles about how the proposed cuts directly impact older adults in New Jersey and nationwide.
We also urge you to watch for our official statement on these proposed cuts to SNAP. In the meantime, we highly recommend you read the information from Hunger Free New Jersey (see below) explaining the proposed cuts to SNAP and how they impact the state and, perhaps, you.
Hunger Free New Jersey: Proposal threatens SNAP assistance to children, families, elderly
If you have feedback or would like to be part of the conversation, leave us a comment below or email us as office@njfoundationforaging.org.
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Mason Crane-Bolton is Communications Manager for the New Jersey Foundation for Aging. His writing has appeared in Epiphany, UU World, To Wake/To Rise, and others.