Supporters of SNAP Take To DC

SNAP, drew strong praise, and even an emotional defense during testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee last week.  A panel of witnesses told the Senate Ag Committee, that SNAP works and should not be scaled back in the next Farm Bill.  A poignant message as the House GOP continues efforts to find SNAP savings, after a failed push to make big cuts in the 2014 farm bill.  Diane Schanzenbach teaches at Northwestern University’s Institute for Policy Research.

“SNAP is a highly efficient and effective program.  It kept 8.4 million people out of poverty in 2014 including almost four million children.”

80% of recipients are  children, the disabled, elderly or working adults.  She added SNAP has boosted recipient employment and the overall economy.

“Including the retail, the wholesale and transportation systems that deliver the foods purchased.  The USDA estimates that every $5 in new SNAP benefits, generates as must as $9 in additional economic activity, Schanzenbach continued.

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