Providence State Representative David Morales has filed a bill that would temporarily extend additional SNAP benefits for those who receive that help. Morlaes says there are tens of thousands of households in the state that will be impacted. $95 dollars in additional help that was made available at the start of the pandemic is slated to end the first of March. And, Morlaes says with increasing food prices, this is not the time to end the program.
“Across every city and town, we have a total of over 80,000 households in our state that depend on SNAP to access nutritious food and their daily groceries,” said Representative Morales. “With increasing food costs and supply chain issues, our working people, families, and seniors cannot afford to see a reduction in their SNAP benefits. Even with a lack of federal support, our state has the responsibility to step up and help our neighbors.”
Moreale's legislation calls of the State Department of Human to make up the loss in benefits.
“During the height of the pandemic, increased federal and state support for SNAP helped reduce childhood hunger and poverty,” Representative Morales said. “So while we made clear and meaningful progress, it is alarming to see us falling backwards as we still have neighbors who are struggling with food insecurity. By passing this legislation, however, we will protect our working people, families, and seniors who are losing additional benefits to no fault of their own!”
Lawmakers could vote on the measure at any time.
(Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)