The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps or food assistance, is our nation’s most effective anti-hunger program. Each year, this program ensures that families and individuals, including children, older adults and people living with disabilities can access needed nutrition.
WHO’S ON SNAP?
In 2017, SNAP helped 459,000 Coloradans supplement their grocery budget and get food on the table. More than 70% of SNAP participants are in households with children.
In Colorado, 82% of SNAP participants live at or below the federal poverty level.
For reference, the federal poverty level is $25,104 annually for a family of four.
SNAP BENEFITS
- Each year, SNAP keeps roughly 117,000 people out of poverty in Colorado, including 55,000 children (2009-2012)
- In 2018, SNAP contributed more than $1 billion to Colorado’s economy
- $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.79 in economic activity
- SNAP participation lowers healthcare costs and improves long-term health
- SNAP benefits also support local farmers, ranchers, producers and business owners
SNAP IS EFFICIENT
- Ninety-two percent of program dollars go directly to households struggling to purchase the food they need for physical and mental well-being
- Seven percent goes to state administrative costs, such as eligibility determinations, employment and training,
and nutrition education for SNAP households - Less than 1% goes to federal administrative costs
IMPACT OF THESE CHANGES
Broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) currently gives Colorado the flexibility to offer SNAP benefits to households earning up to 200% of the federal poverty line. This ensures that many low-income working Colorado families that have difficulty making ends meet due to high housing, energy, and childcare costs, do not go hungry.
According to the Colorado Department of Human Services, roughly 48,000 households and 90,000 individuals (annually) would likely lose SNAP assistance in Colorado.
The current Administration is trying to eliminate BBCE and force all states to use the same income limit of 130% of the federal poverty level, or $32,640 a year for a family of four. This proposal would ignore variation in living expenses from state to state, reinstate a “benefit cliff” whereby earning just a little more money can cause a family to lose food assistance, and take critical food resources away from roughly 3 million Americans already struggling financially.
Visit our Action Center to protect vital, hunger-solving programs like SNAP.