Understanding the Implications of the SNAP Rule Changes

In December, the Trump administration issued a final rule that would tighten the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility requirements— known in Maryland as the Food Supplement Program (FSP) — and could remove benefits from 30,000 Marylanders, by some estimates. Many of these “able-bodied” adults struggle to find sufficient hours of work in areas with few jobs. Other changes may affect the “Community Eligibility” provision, which allows all school children in Baltimore City and other communities to receive free school breakfast and lunch.

Advocates and policy-makers alike believe these regulatory changes will result in more food insecurity for those who already are experiencing poverty as well as secondary effects to a strained social service and employment training system as well as the small business community. Additionally, in order to accommodate the new requirements and urgent need, Maryland would need to expand the SNAP Education and Training Program– taking advantage of available federal funding. (Read more about Workforce Development Training and SNAP: A Powerful Combination for Maryland’s Striving Workers)

Join us for a briefing of this timely topic and the impact of these changes on Marylanders as well as the response from advocates, providers, and state/local government.  Our speakers will be:

• Michael J. Wilson, Director, Maryland Hunger Solutions;
• Holly Freishtat, Baltimore Food Policy Director
• Liz Marchetta, Food and Nutrition Director, Baltimore City Public Schools.

This program is for members and invited guests only; lunch will be served.