SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
SNAP provides food assistance to nearly 1.8 million low-income New Yorkers including families, the elderly, and the disabled. According to the USDA, within the last four fiscal years (2016-2019), participation by individuals and families have decreased. As well as the benefit cost. But the average monthly benefit within individuals and families have said to increase. Despite the monthly increase, benefits are said to be inadequate. It is not enough to get through the entire month. In order to elongate and make their benefit last longer, 45% of individuals have said to limit their food consumption and sacrifice their nutrition quality. It’s also mentioned how they would have to use savvy shopping practices to extend their allotments as long as possible. For example, clipping coupons, purchasing generic brands, and buying in bulk quantities. SNAP participants experience dietary constraints due to lack of resources in low-income neighborhoods. Many turn to and utilize pantries and soup kitchens for added assistance.
NSLP (National School Lunch Program)
NLSP provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or no-cost lunches to children in both public and private schools on school days. Eligibility for free or reduced meals are determined by family income. If a child’s household lives at or below 130% of the federal poverty level they are eligible for free meals. Also, if a child’s household lives between 130% to 185% of the federal poverty level they are eligible for reduced price meals. Any child who lives above the 185% must pay for full price meals. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, research discovered that 26% of children who are food-insecure were more likely to eat school meals and received more of their food and nutrient intake through school meals. Furthermore, only 16% of children who were highly food-secure obtained their daily calories from school meals. Meanwhile, 32% of food-insecure children obtained their daily calories from school meals. Despite the dependency that food-insecure children have on free lunch, many do not get to participate. Due to the fact, income forms must be submitted by students and often times the parents refuse to disclose personal information. Some parents might not want to disclose their social security number or reveal their income in fear of being seen as poor. Due to these reasonings parents refuse to sign these forms. Additionally, there are times where forms are submitted with missing information. These factors can prevent a child from receiving school lunch, causing them to have to pay out of pocket. Ultimately, many not being able to afford to buy lunch everyday.
