Ask yourself, what would it be like if you could not afford food for yourself or your children? How about going without a meal, or an entire day without food, because food costs money you physically don’t have. You would eventually need to rely on help from others, just to stay alive. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was created for this exact purpose, and 36 million Americans currently use SNAP to access healthy food and proper nutrition each month (Fessler, 2019).

Within the current system, SNAP eligibility is granted to individuals and families whose gross income is 130% or less of the state poverty level, (Fessler, 2019). More than 40 states take advantage of a policy called Broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), that allows the state to use less restrictive asset and income tests for SNAP eligibility (USDA, 2019). The current BBCE enables states to raise SNAP income eligibility limits somewhat, so many low-income working families that have difficulty making ends meet, because for example, a sizeable share of their income goes towards costly housing or child care expenses,can receive help purchasing food. This policy also lets states adopt less restrictive asset tests so families, seniors, and people with a disability can have a small savings without losing SNAP (Rosenbaum, 2019).This current policy has proven effective, with rates of enrollment declining from over 47 million people enrolled in 2013, to 36 million presently. For American’s who have a temporary disability that prevents them from working, this program is an essential support during their transition back to work, helping those who are most vulnerable.

However, SNAP is about to change under a new proposal from the current administration. The new proposed SNAP categorical eligibility rule amendment will decrease the access to food for 3.1 million Americans, largely affecting children, seniors, and people with disabilities (Rosenbaum, 2019). The proposed regulatory change will eliminate the BBCE program option for states, thus significantly reducing the income and assets required for eligibility for SNAP food assistance. The reduced allowable income and assets for eligibility will make 3.1 million people no longer eligible for food assistance

As an occupational therapist you may wonder, “What does this have to do with me? How would this affect my practice? How will this affect the community I serve?” To provide quality care and enhance our clients’ overall well being, children and adults need to have food. Food is a basic necessity required for survival.

Two hundred and sixty five thousand children rely on free school lunches in conjunction with other SNAP benefits (Fessler, 2019). The proposed amendment would take this necessity away from children, leaving them hungry and unable to learn or engage to their full potential. Data shows children who do not have food security demonstrate reduced academic performance and decreased social skills (Sharkey, Dean, & Nalty, 2013). Additionally, children who do not consume adequate amounts of nutrient dense food perform lower academically (CDC, 2014).

All human beings need food to function physically and mentally. How can you expect a child to concentrate in class when their stomach is growling? How can a child to play when they’re in pain and exhausted? How does a child stay calm and focused when they don’t know where or when they’ll be able to eat again? Lack of access to healthy food causes occupational disruption, restriction from participation in meaningful activities due to a temporary factor such as losing a job or financial hardship (Christiansen & Townsend, 2013). When one aspect of an individual's life is disrupted, all other parts are disrupted too. When people lose access to healthy food, it affects every aspect of their lives. We see this in clients, friends, and family who experience trauma; their grades might start slipping, they may disengage with friends, they begin to change.

Health care professionals need to advocate against the slashing of basic human needs. The proposed rule change will affect more than just access to food, it will affect the overall health and well-being of children, their families, schools and communities. To take away resources required for participation in necessary occupations, is occupational injustice. Eating is necessary for participation in all areas of life; this is why SNAP is so important! Taking food away from people in need will negatively affect the populations we serve.

Wondering what you can do?? Take a stand and SPEAK UP!

Talk to your friends, co-workers, and strangers about why this matters. Contact your representative! Tell them why this is important and how it will affect the community and the populations we serve.

There is a link below where you can make comments on the rule and express why you oppose this proposed amendment. These are official comments and the link below makes it easy for you to make comments that may influence the content of the final rule.

Comments are due September 23rd.

You can go to this link to submit comments; it will walk you through how to do it!

The Action Network

Federal Register

Regulations.gov