the snap task force1giqgs400j4830k22r3m4wqg-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/... · 2. national...

The Research Packet For

THE SNAP TASK FORCE

Meeting of January, 2017

Prepared by the staff of Benefits Access,

Food Bank For New York City

39 Broadway, 10th Fl.

New York NY 10006

Tel: 212.566.7855

Fax: 212.566.1463

www.foodbanknyc.org

http://www.foodbanknyc.org/

FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY

S N A P T a s k F o r c e M e e t i n g o f J a n u a r y , 2 0 1 7 Contents of this document are the property of Food Bank For New York City and cannot be copied

in any way, shape or form without permission from its creator.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

I.

II.

III.

IV.

V.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)…………………………………………………………

1. Final Rule: SNAP Promotion……………………………………………………………………………...

2. Calculating the SNAP Program Access Index: A Step-By-Step Guide for 2015……………….

3. Press Releases………………………………………………………………………………………..........

USDA Announces Retailer Volunteers for SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot………………...

Families Projected to Spend an Average of $233,610 Raising a Child Born in 2015.,,,,

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)…….……………………………………………

1. New York State SNAP Participation and Benefit Value in October 2016……………………....

New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA)………………………………………………..

1. Policy Bulletins and Directives…………………………………………………………………………..

Policy Bulletin #17-04-ELI: Change in the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents

(ABAWD) Waiver Status for Certain Queens Households…………………………………..

Policy Directive #16-25-ELI: January 2017 RSDI/SSI COLA Increases……………………..

Policy Bulletin #16-99-ELI: January 2017 Social Security COLA Changes for NYSNIP

Households…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Policy Bulletin #16-100-EMP: Phasing Out of the Work Experience Program…………...

Policy Directive #16-24-SYS: Child Support Matches for Cash Assistance (CA) and

Non-Cash Assistance SNAP………………………………………………………………………

Policy Bulletin #16-97-EMP: Increase in the New York State Minimum Wage and its

Effect on Cash Assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program……..

Policy Bulletin #16-93-OPE: Schedules for January 2017-June 2017……………………...

Reports and Notable Items from Other Sources……………………………………….…………………

1. Reports From Food Research and Action Center……………………………..……………………

SNAP Over-the-Year Participation Dropped By More Than 2.1 Million People in

October 2016………………………………………………………………………………………..

2. SNAP Caseload and Spending Declines Accelerated in 2016, Center for Budget and

Policy Priorities……………………………………………………………………………………………...

3. The Parent Trap: The Economic Insecurity of Families with Young Children, Demos………...

Hunger and Poverty in the Media…………………………………………………………………………...

1. Local News…………………………………………………………………………………......................

Cuomo Proposes Free Tuition at New York State Colleges For Eligible Students, NYT..

Help is Hiding in Plain Sight for New York’s Poor, Crain’s New York Business……..……..

2. National News……………………………………………………………………………………………..

In the Shopping Cart of a Food Stamp Household: Not What the New York Times

Reported, TalkPoverty.…………………………………………………………………………….

Big Battles Over Farm and Food Policies May Be Brewing as Trump Era Begins, NPR...

3. International News………………………………………………………………………………………….

World’s Eight Richest People Have Same Wealth as Poorest 50%, The

Guardian……….……………………………………………………………………………………..

As Groundwater Dwindles, A Global Food Shock Looms, National Geographic………

3

3

4

4

4

5

5

6

6

6

6

7

7

8

8

9

9

10

10

10

10

11

13

13

13

13

14

14

14

14

15

15

15




I. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

1. FINAL RULE: SNAP PROMOTION, DECEMBER 20, 2016 <https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fr-122016>

USDA FNS has released final rulemaking regarding

Section 4018 of the 2014 Farm Bill, which defines the

types of acceptable SNAP promotion and outreach

activities authorized under federal funds. After

publishing proposed rulemaking in March 2016, the

agency collected 94 comments from individuals and

organizations including food banks, non-profits, and

universities. This final rule discusses commenter

recommendations, many of which were added to

the rulemaking. Notable additions are summarized

below:

USDA FNS has incorporated an “informed choice” standard when defining

acceptable recruitment activities, revising an example case as follows:

In regards to incentives, FNS clarifies that outreach workers may offer

outreach reinforcement items while sharing information on SNAP, “so long as

the receipt of such reinforcements is not contingent on applying for SNAP”

The restriction on billboard ads applies only to large advertising displays on

roadways, and does not restrict large signs for informational purposes at

health fairs, farmers markets and “other venues where most attendees are on

foot”

The use of social media (e.g. YouTube, Twitter, Facebook) to promote SNAP is

not prohibited, so long as the content does not use persuasive practices to

encourage someone to apply for SNAP

The ban on compensating outreach workers based on the number of

individuals who apply for SNAP “does not apply to the setting of outreach

goals at the level of the individual or the organization, so long as those goals

are not tied to individual worker compensation”

Section 4018 of the 2014 Farm Bill limits the

use of Federal funds for SNAP promotion

and outreach activities “designed to

persuade an individual to apply for SNAP

benefits.” The rulemaking also prohibits:

TV, radio, or billboard ads “designed

to promote SNAP benefits and

enrollment” (excluding Disaster

SNAP)

Entering into agreements with foreign

governments for the purposes of

SNAP promotion.

Compensating outreach /

recruitment workers based on the

number of individuals who apply for

SNAP

“An outreach worker is talking to a senior citizen who explains that he does not think

he is eligible because he owns his own home. The worker would be allowed to correct

this misconception, including asking any necessary follow-up questions to ensure the

senior citizen makes an informed choice about whether or not to apply.”

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fr-122016




2. CALCULATING THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

(SNAP) PROGRAM ACCESS INDEX: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR 2015 <https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/calculating-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-

program-snap-program-access-index-step-step-guide-2015>

This update provides a step-by-step guide to the Program Access Index (PAI) used

to “indicate the degree to which low-income people have access to SNAP

benefits” in each state. The PAI is used to award annual performance bonuses to

the four highest-performing states, as well as four states with the most improvement

in SNAP access.

USDA FNS calculates the PAI by indexing the average monthly number of SNAP

participants during a calendar year to the number of people with income below

125 percent of the federal poverty level. The PAI does not include those who

received Disaster SNAP. New York State ranked 21st among all States in

performance, and 32nd for improvement in 2015. States with the highest PAI and

improvement include:

2015 PAI Rank

1) Maryland

2) District of Columbia

3) Delaware

4) Hawaii

3. PRESS RELEASE: USDA ANNOUNCES RETAILER VOLUNTEERS FOR SNAP ONLINE

PURCHASING PILOT, JANUARY 5, 2017 <https://www.fns.usda.gov/pressrelease/2017/fns-000117>

As part of a pilot program, SNAP recipients will be able to purchase groceries online

from seven retail firms beginning in Summer 2017. The firms selected to participate in

the pilot include:

Amazon - Maryland, New Jersey, New York

FreshDirect - New York

Safeway - Maryland, Oregon, Washington,

ShopRite - Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

Hy-Vee, Inc. - Iowa

Hart's Local Grocers - New York (based in Rochester)

Dash's Market - New York (based in Buffalo)

USDA plans to add additional retailers in the future, and ultimately aims to make

online SNAP purchases a national option. However, online payment presents

significant technical and security challenges which will be assessed through the pilot

program. USDA states that it is “committed to maintaining to security of SNAP

benefits for both the protection of SNAP participants accounts and to prevent and

detect trafficking.”

Most Improved in 2015

1) Nevada

2) Hawaii

3) South Carolina

4) New Hampshire

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/calculating-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap-program-access-index-step-step-guide-2015

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/calculating-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap-program-access-index-step-step-guide-2015

https://www.fns.usda.gov/pressrelease/2017/fns-000117




4. PRESS RELEASE: FAMILIES PROJECTED TO SPEND AN AVERAGE OF $233,610

RAISING A CHILD BORN IN 2015, JANUARY 9, 2017 <https://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2017/01/0004.xml>

A middle-income married couple family will spend an average of $233,610 to raise a

child born in 2015 through the age of 17, according to a new report released by the

USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. This equates to $12,350 and

$13,900 annually for middle-class families, costs that are mostly spent on housing and

food. For lower-income families, the costs are closer to $174,690 through a child’s

lifetime.

Regionally, child-rearing costs are highest in the urban Northeast due to higher costs

of housing, child care, and educational expenses. Compared to rural areas, child-

rearing costs in the urban Northeast are up to 24 percent higher. The agency points

families to websites like “MyMoney.gov” and “ChooseMyPlate.gov” to help families

manage their money and improve their food budget choices.

II. NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF TEMPORARY

AND DISABILITY ASSISTANCE

1. NEW YORK STATE SNAP PARTICIPATION AND BENEFIT VALUE IN OCTOBER

2016

<https://otda.ny.gov/resources/caseload/2016/2016-10-stats.pdf>

According to the latest data from OTDA, SNAP participation slightly decreased by

0.41 percent in New York State from September 2016 to October 2016. Notably,

SNAP benefits declined by nearly a percentage point In New York City. The

average SNAP benefit in NYC also decreased over the month by 0.45 percent, from

$261.62 to $260.43. Overall, 1,692,789 individuals participated in SNAP citywide,

receiving $247.719.332 in benefits.

PERSONS HOUSEHOLDS BENEFITS

SEP

TEM

BER

20

16

OC

TOB

ER

20

16

PER

CEN

T

CH

AN

GE

SEP

TEM

BER

20

16

OC

TOB

ER

20

16

PER

CEN

T

CH

AN

GE

SEP

TEM

BER

20

16

OC

TOB

ER

20

16

PER

CEN

T

CH

AN

GE

New York State 2,950,208 2,938,258 -0.41% 1,625,747 1,619,633 -0.38% $408,528,731 $405,256,659 -0.80%

New York City 1,702,125 1,692,789 -0.55% 955,989 951,180 -0.50% $250,102,539 $247,719,332 -0.95%

Rest of State 1,248,083 1,245,469 -0.21% 669,758 668,453 -0.19% $158,426,192 $157,537,327 -0.56%

https://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2017/01/0004.xml

https://otda.ny.gov/resources/caseload/2016/2016-10-stats.pdf




III. NEW YORK CITY HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION

1. POLICY BULLETINS AND DIRECTIVES

POLICY BULLETIN #17-04-ELI: CHANGE IN THE ABLE-BODIED ADULTS WITHOUT

DEPENDENTS (ABAWD) WAIVER STATUS FOR CERTAIN QUEENS HOUSEHOLDS,

JANUARY 6, 2017

Effective January 1, 2017, all SNAP recipients

who reside in Queens and are Able-Bodied

Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) are

subject to the ABAWD requirements, with the

exception of ABAWDs who reside in Community

District 12. In addition, ABAWDs residing in

Manhattan on or below 110th Street, and on or

below East 96th Street remain subject to the

ABAWD requirements for calendar year 2017. ABAWDs residing in Bronx, Brooklyn,

Staten Island, and Northern Manhattan are exempt from these requirements.

To qualify for more than three months of SNAP in a 36 month period, ABAWDs

residing in a non-waived area must establish they are exempt from work activities,

or meet the ABAWD work requirements. All SNAP households containing an ABAWD

were notified via mail (see Appendix A). The letter provides instructions on how

ABAWDs can maintain their benefits, such as working at least 80 hours per month or

participating in a work program or activity approved by HRA.

Community District 12 of Queens has received a federally-approved waiver of the

ABAWD requirements for calendar year 2017. The district covers “the area that is

south of Hillside Avenue and north of the Belt Parkway, and between the Van Wyck

Expressway on the west and Francis Lewis Boulevard and Springfield Boulevard on

the east. Residents of this area are exempt from ABAWD requirements for 2017.

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE AVERAGE BENEFITS PER HOUSEHOLD

SEP

TEM

BER

20

16

OC

TOB

ER

20

16

PER

CEN

T

CH

AN

GE

SEP

TEM

BER

20

16

OC

TOB

ER

20

16

PER

CEN

T

CH

AN

GE

New York State 1.815 1.814 -0.03% $251.29 $250.22 -0.42%

New York City 1.780 1.780 -0.05% $261.62 $260.43 -0.45%

Rest of State

1.863 1.863 -0.01% $236.54 $235.68 -0.37%

Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents

(ABAWDs) are individuals who meet ALL

of the following criteria:

Between the ages of 18 and 49

Mentally / physically able to work for

at least 80 hours a month

Not pregnant

Not residing in a household

containing a child under 18 years of

age




POLICY DIRECTIVE #16-25-ELI: JANUARY 2017 RSDI/SSI COLA INCREASES,

DECEMBER 21, 2016

SNAP benefits have been rebudgeted to reflect a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)

for Social Security/SSI recipients effective January 1, 2017. The COLA of 0.3 percent

resulted in an average increase of $2 per month in SSI benefits, as well as increases

for those receiving Social Security Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance. As

a result, some SNAP recipients may see a reduction in their SNAP benefits. A Notice

of Mass Change (Appendix B) was sent to all participants whose benefits were

adjusted.

POLICY BULLETIN #16-99-ELI: JANUARY 2017 SOCIAL SECURITY COLA

CHANGES FOR NYSNIP HOUSEHOLDS, DECEMBER 21, 2016

Effective January 1, 2017, SNAP benefit levels will change for certain individuals

who receive SNAP under the New York State Improvement Project (NYSNIP). This is

due to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applied to Supplemental Security

Income (SSI). NYSNIP households whose benefits were adjusted have been notified

of these changes via a Notice of Mass Change (Appendix B).

Per the chart below, NYSNIP households with high shelter costs ($247 or more) who

do not qualify for the heating/cooling Standard Utility Allowance will have their

benefits decrease from $27 to $26 if they only receive SSI, and from $18 to $17 if

they receive SSI and other income. Benefit levels for all other households will remain

the same.

Community District 12 (Queens)




POLICY BULLETIN #16-100-EMP: PHASING OUT OF THE WORK EXPERIENCE

PROGRAM, DECEMBER 21, 2016

As of December 22, 2016, the Work Experience Program (WEP) has been

terminated. Current WEP recipients have been notified (See Appendix C) that they

no longer need to report to their assignments. However, they are still required to

comply with other work or training assignments assigned by HRA. The agency has

provided a list of options that program participants may use to meet their work

requirements in replacement of WEP. Examples include:

Job Training Programs

Community Service

Internships (for those enrolled in non-CUNY degree programs)

Work Study (for those enrolled in CUNY)

If these alternatives are not available to the participant, the participant must be

referred to the Back to Work (B2W) program full time.

POLICY DIRECTIVE #16-24-SYS: CHILD SUPPORT MATCHES FOR CASH

ASSISTANCE (CA) AND NON-CASH ASSISTANCE (NCA) SUPPLEMENTAL

NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP), DECEMBER 12, 2016

All households applying for SNAP are subject to a data match for child support

payments made and received. This directive introduces a new match for

applicants and recipients, which is performed “regardless of whether the child for

whom the payments are made is a member of the household.” This match is

performed between FIA and the Office of Child Support Enforcement to ensure

that legally-obligated child support payments made are properly excluded from

the budget.




Since the match cannot return information to process expedited SNAP benefits, a

budget for expedited SNAP will reflect the amount of child support made/received

that is written on the application or stated during the interview. The final budget for

ongoing benefits will also exclude payments “when there was a discernible

difference in the amount of child support

payments made/received by the household”

during the past six months, as reported by the

match.

POLICY BULLETIN #16-97-EMP: INCREASE IN THE NEW YORK STATE MINIMUM

WAGE AND ITS EFFECT ON CASH ASSISTANCE AND THE SUPPLEMENTAL

NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, DECEMBER 21, 2016

Effective December 31, 2016, the minimum wage has increased in New York City,

and will continue to increase every year on December 31st until reaching $15.00.

The amount of this increase varies depending on the size of one’s employer as

follows:

As a result of this increase, SNAP recipients subject to work requirements may be

required to work fewer hours. This includes Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents

(ABAWDs). According to HRA, ABAWDs can meet the requirement by

“participating in certain work activities for the number of hours equal to their

monthly SNAP grant divided by the higher of the federal or NYS minimum wage.”

POLICY BULLETIN #16-93-OPE: SCHEDULES FOR JANUARY 2017 – JUNE 2017,

DECEMBER 5, 2016

HRA has released updated semi-annual schedules, including a new version of the

EBT Pick-up Schedule for January through June 2017. This guide provides SNAP

participants with the date when their benefits will be available on their EBT card,

based on the toe digit (last number) of their case number. See Appendix D for the

updated pickup schedule.

A “discernible difference” is defined as “a

spike of $100 or more above the total

amount legally obligated for a month”




IV. Reports and Notable Items from Other Sources

1. REPORTS FROM FOOD RESEARCH AND ACTION CENTER (FRAC):

SNAP OVER-THE-YEAR PARTICIPATION DROPPED BY MORE THAN 2.1 MILLION

PEOPLE IN OCTOBER 2016 <http://frac.org/research/resource-library/snap-monthly-data-october-2016>

According to the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), SNAP participation

decreased by 277,592 persons nationally from September to October 2016, the

last month in which data is available. FRAC attributes the over-the-month

increase to improved economic conditions, coupled with time limits on SNAP

participation for jobless adults. Over the same time period, New York State’s SNAP

participation decreased slightly by less than half of a percentage point.

Meanwhile, over-the-year SNAP participation decreased by 2,152,708 people

nationally, and by 58,391 in New York State.

Oc

tob

er

2015

Se

pte

mb

er

2016

Oc

tob

er

2016 % Change

October 2015

to

October 2016

% Change

September 2016

to

October 2016

New York 2,996,649 2,950,208 2,938,258 -1.9% -0.4%

Nationwide 45,368,265 43,493,149 43,215,557 -4.7% -0.68%

Data source: http://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/snapdata2016-oct.pdf

2. SNAP CASELOAD AND SPENDING DECLINES ACCELERATED IN 2016 –

CENTER FOR BUDGET AND POLICY PRIORITIES, DECEMBER 29, 2016

<http://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/snap-caseload-and-spending-

declines-accelerated-in-2016>

This report provides an updated look at SNAP caseloads and spending in 2016.

SNAP participation declined at an accelerating rate in 2016, a trend that the

Center for Budget and Policy Priorities attributes to an improving economy and the

return of time limits for able-bodied adults. The report points to these time limits as a

notable driver of caseload declines. About 773,000 fewer individuals participated in

SNAP in the month that time limits were re-implemented in many states. According

to the report, this is “the largest one-month drop since temporary disaster benefits

for Hurricane Katrina victims ended in 2015.” The drop was most significant in eight

of ten states that re-implemented the time limit in April 2016.

http://frac.org/research/resource-library/snap-monthly-data-october-2016

http://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/snapdata2016-oct.pdf

http://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/snap-caseload-and-spending-declines-accelerated-in-2016

http://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/snap-caseload-and-spending-declines-accelerated-in-2016




Overall, SNAP participation nationwide has dropped to participation levels in 2011,

and is expected to continue falling. While caseloads have dropped significantly in

most states, 19 states have seen participation fall more slowly (such as New York)

and some experienced a growth in participation. The drop in participation also

coincides with decreased SNAP spending, 4 percent lower than in 2015.

3. THE PARENT TRAP: THE ECONOMIC INSECURITY OF FAMILIES WITH YOUNG

CHILDREN – DEMOS, DECEMBER 13, 2016

<http://www.demos.org/publication/parent-trap-economic-insecurity-families-

young-children>

Families with children under age 5 are at an economic disadvantage, facing

higher rates of poverty compared to those without children. However, once those

children enter school, incomes tend to rise while poverty levels fall. This report

assesses the impact of young children on household poverty, looking at multiple

economic and demographic factors of households with children. The authors were

particularly interested in the circumstances facing single parents, including single

mothers and parents of color.

Researchers found that families with children under 5 had substantially lower

incomes than households without children. As a result, many of these families were

thrust in poverty. The average household of two adults saw a drop of income of

about $14,850 (14 percent of household income) once accounting for a new child.

http://www.demos.org/publication/parent-trap-economic-insecurity-families-young-children

http://www.demos.org/publication/parent-trap-economic-insecurity-families-young-children




This drop was significantly higher for single mothers, who tend to have significantly

less income. The average single mother lost 36 percent of her income ($16,610) as

the result of having a young child. Furthermore, many single mothers face unstable

employment, particularly mothers of color and those with less education. However,

the report confirms that once children reach school age, labor force participation

and incomes rise for virtually all parents.

To address these challenges, the authors recommend employers and policy makers

better support families with young children. Strategies to promote the financial well-

being of these families include “addressing the lack of paid leave, low-paying jobs,

irregular work schedules, employment discrimination, and shortage of equality,

affordable childcare.”




V. Hunger and Poverty in the Media

1. LOCAL NEWS

“CUOMO PROPOSES FREE TUITION AT NEW YORK STATE COLLEGES FOR

ELIGIBLE STUDENTS,” JANUARY 3, 2017

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/03/nyregion/free-tuition-new-york-colleges-

plan.html

Governor Cuomo has announced a proposal to waive tuition fees at all New

York State public universities for middle- and low-income families statewide. If

passed, the program would be the first of its kind nationwide to offer tuition-free

college to families and individuals making less than $125,000 a year. The director

of state operations estimates that 200,000 students would benefit from the

program, which would rollout over three years starting this fall. Cuomo made the

announcement alongside Senator Bernie Sanders, who has forcefully

campaigned for making college tuition- and debt-free for all Americans.

“HELP IS HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT FOR NEW YORK'S POOR,” CRAIN’S NEW

YORK BUSINESS, DECEMBER 19, 2016

< http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20161219/OPINION/161219909/want-to-

help-new-yorks-poor-without-signing-legislation-expand-enrollment-in-programs-

like-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-or-snap-the-earned-income-tax-

credit-wic-and-more>

Reynold Levy, president of Robin Hood, argues that “critical help is hiding in plain

sight” for 1.8 million New York City residents facing poverty on a daily basis. The

challenge lies in connecting these residents to the vital programs that can lift

them out of poverty, such as SNAP and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Levy

suggests that more than $1 billion in federal funds could be made available if all

eligible people enrolled in these programs. However, there are many barriers to

enrollment, such as the stigma of accepting help, fear in immigrant communities,

or challenges in proving one’s eligibility. However, coalitions of non-profits,

institutions, corporations, labor unions, and others across the city supported by

Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio are working to reach out to the poor and

help them overcome these barriers.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/03/nyregion/free-tuition-new-york-colleges-plan.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/03/nyregion/free-tuition-new-york-colleges-plan.html

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20161219/OPINION/161219909/want-to-help-new-yorks-poor-without-signing-legislation-expand-enrollment-in-programs-like-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-or-snap-the-earned-income-tax-credit-wic-and-more







2. NATIONAL

“IN THE SHOPPING CART OF A FOOD STAMP HOUSEHOLD: NOT WHAT

THE NEW YORK TIMES REPORTED,” TALKPOVERTY, JANUARY 16, 2017 <https://talkpoverty.org/2017/01/16/shopping-cart-food-stamp-household-not-

new-york-times-reported/>

The New York Times recently published an article1 highlighting soda and

sweetened beverages as a popular purchase among SNAP households. The

article drew from a November 2016 study conducted by USDA, which analyzed

the consumption patterns of both SNAP and non-SNAP households at a major

grocery retailer. This TalkPoverty article criticizes the conclusions of the article,

claiming that its findings were both inaccurate and dangerous in its portrayal of

SNAP recipients.

The USDA study notes that “both food stamp recipients and other households

generally made similar purchases”. For this reason, the NYT’s characterization

that SNAP households spend more on soda than non-SNAP households is

misleading. The authors argue that while high sugar consumption needs to be

addressed, generating a narrative that SNAP households are to blame “plays

directly into harmful stereotypes, and risks undermining a critical program that

protects nearly 5 million Americans from poverty each year.”

“BIG BATTLES OVER FARM AND FOOD POLICIES MAY BE BREWING AS

TRUMP ERA BEGINS,” NPR, DECEMBER 28, 2016 <http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/12/28/506592753/big-battles-over-

farm-and-food-policies-may-be-brewing-as-trump-era-begins>

Though the Trump administration has said little about plans for food policy, a

series of policy battles over nutrition programs and farm policies will brew over

the next few years. Notably, a coalition between farmers and poverty

advocates will be tested with the latest iteration of the Farm Bill, due by the end

of 2018. The Farm Bill includes federally-funded nutrition programs like SNAP and

farm-related provisions, which some Republicans are hoping to separate into

different bills. Furthermore, there could be attempts to roll back school lunch

reforms, as well as nutrition policies mandated by the Affordable Care Act.

1 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/13/well/eat/food-stamp-snap-soda.html

https://talkpoverty.org/2017/01/16/shopping-cart-food-stamp-household-not-new-york-times-reported/

https://talkpoverty.org/2017/01/16/shopping-cart-food-stamp-household-not-new-york-times-reported/

http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/12/28/506592753/big-battles-over-farm-and-food-policies-may-be-brewing-as-trump-era-begins

http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/12/28/506592753/big-battles-over-farm-and-food-policies-may-be-brewing-as-trump-era-begins




3. INTERNATIONAL

“WORLD'S EIGHT RICHEST PEOPLE HAVE SAME WEALTH AS POOREST

50%”, THE GUARDIAN, JANUARY 16, 2017 <https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jan/16/worlds-eight-

richest-people-have-same-wealth-as-poorest-50>

Global inequality continues to grow, with the world’s poorest 50 percent owning

the same assets as eight of the world’s richest billionaires, according to a new

report from Oxfam. The development charity revised last year’s number of 62

billionaires to eight after discovering that poor people in China and India had

fewer assets than once thought, pointing to an even larger wealth gap. Oxfam

argues that the vast majority of the world’s poor struggle to survive, while global

companies continue to dodge taxes, squeeze workers’ wages, and maximize

returns for owners and executives. The authors call from fundamental changes in

world economies to ensure that they work for all, rather than the wealthiest.

“AS GROUNDWATER DWINDLES, A GLOBAL FOOD SHOCK LOOMS,”

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, DECEMBER 22, 2016

<http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/12/groundwater-depletion-global-

food-supply/>

Groundwater reservoirs are shrinking at an alarming rate, putting the world’s

food supply at risk. Half of the world’s food comes from arid parts of the world

which receive little rain and have few rivers and lakes. These areas, which

include the western United States, depend on irrigation from groundwater.

However, a new study conducted at the Colorado School of Mines finds that

groundwater reserves may be nearly drained within decades due to over

pumping. The study finds that excessive pumping “has already used up enough

groundwater worldwide to nearly fill Lake Michigan.” Without conservation, 1.8

million people could also lose access to a crucial source of fresh water and face

increases in the cost and availability of foods.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jan/16/worlds-eight-richest-people-have-same-wealth-as-poorest-50

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jan/16/worlds-eight-richest-people-have-same-wealth-as-poorest-50

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/12/groundwater-depletion-global-food-supply/

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/12/groundwater-depletion-global-food-supply/




APPENDIX A




APPENDIX B




APPENDIX C




APPENDIX D




THE FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY

2017

the snap task force1giqgs400j4830k22r3m4wqg-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/... · 2. national...

Documents