Statement from LeadingAge on Potential Changes to SNAP for Seniors

WASHINGTON, D.C., (April 18, 2018)—As the House Agriculture Committee begins markup on the 2018 farm bill, which includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, LeadingAge President and CEO Katie Smith Sloan said today:

“Almost 5 million people aged 60 and over depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for an adequate diet. The 4.8 million seniors covered by SNAP represent 11 percent of the population SNAP serves.

Thousands of these SNAP beneficiaries live in Section 202 housing and/or receive home- and community-based services from LeadingAge members. SNAP is the source of essential nutrition assistance without which many older adults may no longer be able to remain in their communities.

The program already has work requirements and time limits on eligibility. LeadingAge is concerned about proposals to make eligibility any more restrictive.

As lawmakers discuss amendments to the bill, LeadingAge urges not to cut SNAP, a program that provides a lifeline to working people, children and older adults.

Visit leadingage.org for more information.