Comment Period Ends For Proposal That Would Cut SNAP Benefits For Millions

[Norm dePlume]

Comment Period Ends For Proposal That Would Cut SNAP Benefits For Millions

November 1, 2019

Friday is the last day for the public to comment on a proposed rule change by the Trump administration that would eliminate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or food stamps, for more than 3 million people.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture also recently admitted that the plan would mean that almost a million children would no longer automatically qualify for free school lunches.

In a new analysis released two weeks ago, the USDA says that almost half of those children would likely get free lunches, but only if they reapply to the school lunch program. The agency estimates that another half would likely qualify for reduced-price meals, instead of free ones, and that about 40,000 children would lose free lunches altogether because their family incomes exceed eligibility limits.

Opposition to the proposal has been strong, with almost 170,000 comments from the public so far, most of them negative.

Well, that should motivate those children. Or something.

[scott]

Well, that should motivate those children. Or something.

Is this reverting back to pre-great recession days now that the economy isn't on the verge of collapse?

[scott]

From Norm's link:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture also recently admitted that the plan would mean that almost a million children would no longer automatically qualify for free school lunches.

So most may qualify, most may not, but now they don't automatically qualify. I don't see starving kids as a result of this policy. I see a lot of pissed off leftists who have their grannies going off the cliff rebrand ready. Now it's not granny, it's KIDS!

[phillygirl]

I read what Scott read...the automatic part. It appears that the income levels would dictate free, reduced fee, or no subsidy for the children (it's my belief that all school lunches are somewhat subsidized in any event). I don't view this as starving the children, but rather, responsible governance. If the families qualify, free lunch it is. If not, then so be it.

[scott]

I read what Scott read...the automatic part. It appears that the income levels would dictate free, reduced fee, or no subsidy for the children (it's my belief that all school lunches are somewhat subsidized in any event). I don't view this as starving the children, but rather, responsible governance. If the families qualify, free lunch it is. If not, then so be it.

All public school lunches are subsidized.

he National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program provide funds that enable public schools, nonprofit private schools, child and adult care centers, and residential child care institutions to offer subsidized meals and snacks to participants. In the 2018-2019 school year, federal subsidies are generally 61 cents for each lunch, 31 cents for each breakfast, and 8 cents for each snack for participants in households with income above 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (commonly known as the federal poverty level, or FPL). The programs provide larger subsidies for meals served to participants from households with income at or below 185 percent of the FPL and above 130 percent of the FPL, and still larger subsidies to participants from households with income at or below 130 percent of the FPL. As a result of the subsidies, participants from households with income at or below 130 percent of the FPL pay nothing for their meals.

https://www.cbo.gov/budget-options/2018/54740