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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Oh, SNAP: Proposed Changes to Food Stamps

Imagine receiving a well-deserved raise at work, only to discover that it drives your struggling family further into financial distress.

August 14, 2019

Imagine receiving a well-deserved raise at work, only to discover that it drives your struggling family further into financial distress. For working families with incomes hovering near 130% of the poverty line, this could become reality if the Trump administration’s newly published rule change goes into effect.   

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Revision of Categorical Eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) proposes to close a “loophole” that allows states to modify some of the federal government’s eligibility requirements for SNAP (formerly known as food stamps). In North Carolina, 106,000 people, including 38,000 children, would lose access to food assistance under the new rule, according to NC Policy Watch. 

North Carolina is one of 43 states and territories that leverage broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) to extend food assistance to low-income working families who otherwise might not qualify under strict federal guidelines. Advocates such as the North Carolina Justice Center state that BBCE is an important tool for moving families out of poverty; eliminating it would punish low-income families for working hard and saving money.   

In North Carolina, SNAP-recipient families are not limited to the federal threshold of $2,250 in assets or savings, thereby allowing them to save money in order to weather financial emergencies. Additionally, North Carolina families who experience a small increase in income are less likely to fall off the “benefits cliff,” since SNAP benefits can be gradually reduced rather than abruptly eliminated as stipulated by federal rules.   

North Carolina is one of 43 states and territories that leverage broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) to extend food assistance to low-income working families who otherwise might not qualify under strict federal guidelines.

In its proposed rule, the USDA claims that states are approving families for SNAP benefits without checking their income or need for assistance. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, “The claim is incorrect.” Their statement, Misguided Trump Administration Rule Would Take Basic Food Assistance From Working Families, Seniors, and People with Disabilities asserts that, “SNAP has some of the most rigorous program integrity standards and systems of any federal program.”  

Nationwide, about 36 million people received SNAP benefits in April of this year. The USDA’s proposed rule would remove about 3.1 million of current beneficiaries from the program. 

Public comment on the rule can be submitted via http://www.regulations.gov.  Deadline for submission is September 23, 2019. 

Filed Under: Advocacy Tagged With: Advocacy, crisis assistance, food stamps, helping hand, snap, snap benefits

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Crisis Assistance Ministry

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As we take time out this Memorial Day weekend to remember those who sacrificed on our behalf, Crisis Assistance Ministry will be closed to all customers, staff, donors, and volunteers on Monday, May 29, 2023. Typical business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 30.

crisisassistmin

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This family of five signed up to provide snacks for families who seek assistance here because "everyone could contribute." 17 year old Lydia wrote messages, 13 year old Spencer washed apples, Mom packed crackers, Dad packed cookies, and 6-month-old Isaiah cheered everyone on.
With summer ahead, there will be even more need for snack packs to share with the families served here. You can find this and other volunteer opportunities on our website.

#volunteers

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Should North Carolina Implement Child Tax Credits?
Expanded federal child tax credits were a lifeline for many families during the pandemic. But those expansions have expired and aren't likely to be renewed at the federal level. North Carolina could implement its own credit to help families struggling to make ends meet. 
You can learn more about the benefits and decide what you think at the link in bio. #NCChildTaxCredit #FightPoverty #PreserveDignity

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Thank you for a fabulous National Volunteer Week! You inspire us every day with your commitment to help all of our neighbors achieve financial stability.

crisisassistmin

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As expanded Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program benefits end, hunger-fighting groups expect a surge in demand at food banks and warn that SNAP recipients may fall back into poverty. Some studies estimated that the Emergency Allotments during the pandemic reduced child poverty by 14% in 2021. This week we ask who will suffer now that these benefits have expired in North Carolina and all remaining states? (Read more through link in bio)

crisisassistmin

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Meet Ed Holland, a grandfather who gives back consistently and finds hope in helping others who are experiencing a financial crisis. In less than two minutes, hear his hopeful outlook, what fuels his community involvement, and his invitation to join the Challenge going on right now to help more families who visit Crisis Assistance Ministry for help. #DoGoodCLT #DoubleYourImpact

crisisassistmin

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Yesterday was a great day to celebrate #volunteers with so many great groups "in the house!" First up:  two sets of high schoolers from opposite sides of the Atlantic. 
📷 1 & 2:  Teens from West Charlotte HS who serve consistently, always getting stuff done in our warehouse.
📷 3:  High school students from all the way in France via Charlotte Latin School who also spent time preparing donated goods for Free Store shoppers.
We ♥️ our teen volunteers who bring so much energy to their visits here.

crisisassistmin

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Shout out to every neighbor who showed up and shared their time to help other neighbors get through a financial crisis and rebuild stability.
#volunteers #thankyou #DoGoodCLT #fightpoverty #NationalVolunteerWeek

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Crisis Assistance Ministry is excited to announce that local Charlotte leaders are coming together to help YOU double your impact this Spring.  Thanks to the generosity of Howard and Julie Levine - Howard R. Levine Foundation; Anna & Ed McMahan; and Kasey & Stuart Proffitt every contribution (up to $500K) will be matched now through May 31.
Will YOU rise to the challenge with a gift to help provide more individuals and families meet their basic needs, develop the tools to overcome financial adversity, and chart a path beyond the crisis toward financial security?

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