The Facts About SNAP and Work

SNAP is our first line of defense against hunger. SNAP helps low-income people purchase food to feed themselves and their families. It is a safety net available to help us through tough economic times.

Yet SNAP and work have been the focus of Congressional scrutiny: the President’s budget proposed expanding the time limit on SNAP for certain unemployed adults, and we expect similar proposals to emerge in the House Farm Bill which may be introduced in early April. Additionally, USDA is currently seeking public comments as they contemplate changing rules regarding services for certain unemployed adults on SNAP.

Let’s look at the facts about SNAP and work:

FACT: Most people on SNAP who can work are working. In Washington, 1 in 8 workers are supported by SNAP. They need SNAP to put food on their tables because their jobs pay low wages, have irregular schedules, and are seasonal or temporary in nature.

FACT: For most people on SNAP, we don’t have an expectation for them to work. They are children, seniors, and people with disabilities who are unable to work.

FACT: SNAP creates jobs. SNAP helps people buy food. Paying for food with SNAP helps create jobs in our food system-it puts money in the pockets of our growers, our grocers, our food transportation and storage systems. For every $5 of SNAP benefits spent, $9 of economic activity is generated. Here in Washington, SNAP pumped nearly $1.5 billion into our state’s economy last year.

FACT: Taking SNAP away from an out-of-work individual does not help them find a job. SNAP benefits not only keep people healthy and fed until they return to work, they also connect people in our state to the nation’s best SNAP Employment & Training program (BFET and RISE.) These programs combine job training, case management, and support services, helping people on SNAP who want and need this assistance to find and keep good-paying jobs.

SNAP is first and foremost a nutrition program and nutrition is critical for helping unemployed people stay healthy to find a job and keep working. Let’s keep Washington working by protecting and strengthening investments in SNAP, in job opportunities that pay good wages, and in employment and training services.

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