Analysis by the U.S. think tank Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicates that about 1.2 million households, or nearly 5 million people — roughly 1 in nine SNAP recipients — will receive zero benefits because their normal benefit amounts fall below the planned benefit reduction.
Apryl told Xinhua that, as a single mother, she is eligible for the SNAP, but she is concerned that her payments may not arrive on time as usual. “That would be more money that I have to put out into the grocery store, which is very expensive; that takes money from bills that I already have or something else I have to do for my kid,” she said.
“I think this current episode of punishing or abusing the poor … is yet another example of what has been a long-term truth about this country: how the poor have frequently been injured or deprived because of the contempt of those who are either wealthier and/or in power,” said Greg Cusack, a former member of the Iowa House of Representatives.