BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – More than 80,000 people in Alabama are losing their SNAP benefits following newly expanded federal work rules and tighter eligibility requirements.
According to new reports, almost a million people in Alabama are experiencing food insecurity. The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama said the need has increased over the last few years and is worsening with the changes to SNAP.
Community foodbank of Central Alabama(WBRC)
About 900 families come through Trinity Church each week looking for their next meal.
Mary Liz Ingram, outreach hub director at Trinity United Methodist Church, said the most common issue she hears about right now is the loss of SNAP benefits.
“The money is just not there. They’re having to come and get free food that they’re not able to choose, or maybe their favorite things aren’t available. It’s a loss of that dignity,” Ingram said.
“It is difficult and kind of painful to realize that you’re trying to solve a problem that could be solved with different legislation,” Ingram said.
Michael Ledger, with Feeding the Gulf Coast, said for every one meal his food bank provides, SNAP supplements nine.
“There’s no way, as food banks, we can overcome that. I like to think of SNAP as a dam, and we’re dealing with the overflow. If the dam breaks, we’re in big trouble,” Ledger said.
More than 80,000 people in Alabama are losing their SNAP benefits following newly expanded federal work rules and tighter eligibility requirements.(WBRC | Gillian Brooks)
The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama said many families don’t know how they will close the gap. Of the more than 900,000 people experiencing food insecurity, 200,000 are children.
Nicole Williams, CEO of the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, said the organization is concerned about children going without meals.
“We worry about kids showing up at school the next morning without having dinner. It’s important for kids in their growing bodies to have a good meal so they can learn and focus in school,” Williams said.
Alabama is facing penalties because of administrative errors, meaning the state owes $174 million per year.
Leaders are asking Congress to give Alabama a two-year waiver, saying it will take time to improve the error rates. They specifically called on Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Sen. Katie Britt to add the waivers into the farm bill currently going through the Senate.
WFAFB(OBI)
Sen. Britt’s office responded to our request with a statement:
“Senator Britt and her team are in constant communication with local leaders across the state to ensure that those eligible for SNAP benefits receive them without disruption and that the state’s payment error rate is properly addressed. Senator Britt does not sit on the Senate Agriculture Committee and therefore will have no opportunity to offer amendments to the farm bill until it advances to the Senate floor.”
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, contact the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.
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