Food stamp cuts affect local residents

Van Wert independent/submitted information

The cutbacks in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) nationwide, caused in part by Congress’ inability to pass a new Farm Bill, will also have a significant effect on Van Wert County residents currently enrolled in the food stamp program.

Mary Beth Holtsberry, director of the Van Wert County Department of Job and Family Services said the county’s 3,166 Food Assistance program recipients would receive an average of $11 less a month per person, for a total of approximately $35,000 less per month that can be spent in the community on food.

“I expect Van Wert will see our Food Assistance reduced from about $340,000 to around $305,000 in November,” she noted.

According to figures from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, an organization that lobbies on behalf of low- and moderate-income issues, the cuts in SNAP benefits mean recipients will receive, on average, less than $1.40 per person, per meal 2014.

Nationally, the total cut in SNAP benefits is estimated at $5 billion, while Ohio’s will see an estimated loss of $193 million in assistance for its 1.847 million food stamp recipients.

Holtsberry said her department has no control over how much each recipient receives. “We locally determine if someone meets the criteria to receive food assistance,” Holtsberry noted. “If they meet the criteria, their benefit is based upon the rules mandated by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service for their family size, income and allowable deductions.”

Under the SNAP cuts, a family of four will see a reduction of $36 per month in food assistance, from $668 to $632.

Meanwhile, Congress shows no signs of being willing to pass a new Farm Bill, and even if it does, food assistance cuts would likely be a part of that.

In addition to affecting local families on Food Assistance, the approximately 6 percent decrease in SNAP funds would also have an impact on local food retailers such as Walmart, Ruler Foods and Save-A-Lot, where low-income families typically purchase food.