Highlights from the nutrition title include the following (all numbers are 10-year budget numbers):
• $8.55 billion cut to SNAP by tightening the "Heat and
Eat" provision, which would affect the following states: California,
Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts,
Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The Heat & Eat provision is a coordination between SNAP
and the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program is
intended to assist people who face the difficult choice between paying for food
or paying for heat and utilities. Under Heat & Eat, people who qualify for
LIHEAP are able to claim a Standard Utility Adjustment (SUA), simplifying their
SNAP application and making them eligible for a higher SNAP benefit. It is
estimated that the changes to Heat & Eat in the new Farm Bill couple put
SNAP benefits in jeopardy for up to 11,000 Mainers.
• $205 million increase for TEFAP (a USDA commodity food
program). The TEFAP funding would be frontloaded to provide greater
resources in the initial three years of the bill.
• Establishes the Dairy Donation Program. If dairy prices
fall below a specific price trigger for 5 consecutive months, USDA is
authorized to begin a dairy purchase program, with the dairy products going to
public and private nonprofit organizations, and with instructions for USDA to
consult with nonprofits on the type of dairy products requested. While there is
no set cost, this would provide additional commodities much like TEFAP bonus
commodities do when prices are low enough to trigger USDA price support.
• $250 million for states to pilot innovative programs help
SNAP participants get back to work.
• Improves SNAP access by allowing SNAP home delivery for
homebound seniors and disabled participants.
Feeding America released a press
statement regarding its position, which provides additional details on
the legislation. We encourage you to reach out to your Agency Field Rep with
any questions or concerns about this bill, in addition to any compelling
stories you hear about the impact of the bill once changes go into effect.