Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, plays a crucial role in reducing hunger, malnutrition, and poverty, and improving child and adult health. With the introduction of Project 2025, there are concerns in the hearts of many about the potential changes to SNAP. There might be restricted access to food assistance.
What is Project 2025?
Project 2025 is a blueprint proposed by the conservative-leaning Heritage Foundation and aimed at reshaping several aspects of federal government and budgeting. A key component of Project 2025 as it concerns SNAP is the transfer of SNAP and other nutrition assistance programs from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Project 2025: Proposed changes to SNAP
Project 2025 has suggested some actions to be taken by the next administration toward SNAP:
- Re-implement work requirements: Project 2025 suggests that an additional work requirement should be added to the able-bodied work requirement.
“Beyond the able-bodied work requirement, FNS should implement better regulation to clarify options for states to implement the general work requirement. This requirement is an option that states can apply to work-capable beneficiaries aged 16 to 59. If beneficiaries’ work hours are below 30 hours a week, states can implement the general work requirements to oblige beneficiaries to register for work or participate in SNAP Employment and Training or workfare assigned by the state SNAP agency. 67 Increased clarity for states would include items like states being required to offer employment and training spots for those that request them—not simply budgeting for every currently enrolled able-bodied adult.”
This suggestion would reduce the number of people eligible for benefits as it would tighten the already existing requirements.
- Transfer SNAP to HHS: Project 2025 suggests that the next administration should move all food and nutrition programs from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Health and Human Services. The reason for this suggestion is to improve efficiency in overseeing these programs. Critics have, however, expressed their fear that such a transfer could lead to disruptions in service delivery and administration, which will affect millions of beneficiaries who rely on SNAP for their daily nutritional needs.
- Reevaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan: The Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) is the basis for calculating SNAP benefits. In 2021, the Biden administration updated the TFP, which led to a 23% increase in SNAP benefits. This was to better align with current food costs. Project 2025 calls for a reevaluation of this plan. This could lead to reductions in the benefit amounts if the updates are rolled back or adjusted downward.
Will Project 2025 affect SNAP payments?
Yes, Project 2025 would affect SNAP payments, as there might be a risk of reduced benefits. If the proposal is implemented, there will be a stricter eligibility criterion and, as such, a reduced rate of beneficiaries.
This proposed change in the case of the Thrifty Food Plan will lead to a reduction in the SNAP monthly payments. This would affect low-income individuals or households and also reduce food security among the most vulnerable populations.
