New SNAP work requirements put food benefits at risk for some New Yorkers
For single mothers like Lakeshia Alexander, just walking into the grocery store is stressful.
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Millions of people have already lost access to food stamps since new federal work requirements took effect on June 1. Advocates now say thousands of New Yorkers could still be impacted.
For single mothers like Lakeshia Alexander, just walking into the grocery store is stressful.
“I don’t work, I have a disability and I love to cook,” said Lakeshia Alexander, a SNAP recipient. “Groceries is already expensive. To get a good gallon of milk is like $10, who’s gonna pay for that with cash?”
Alexander lives at the Shirley Chisholm Family Shelter in Park Slope with her three teenagers.
“We wouldn’t be able to have food and I’m pretty sure with the pantries, the lines would be outrageous. Not having SNAP, we’d have to stand in line all day just to get a bag of potatoes," Alexander said.
New federal work requirements apply to adults ages 18 to 64 who are physically able to work. To keep their benefits, they must work at least 80 hours a month, go to school or volunteer.
Alexander says it will force families like hers to make tough choices.
“As a mother, that’s a very hard choice to make,” Alexander said. “Eventually, you’re gonna have to choose if we’re gonna eat tonight or if you’re gonna get that diabetic medication.”
Employees with Win, a nonprofit that provides shelter for families across the city, say Alexander’s family is not alone.
“Anyone who is a qualified non-citizen is completely kicked off of SNAP now, so you know the city reported even last week that they’re expecting that 15,000 people across New York City - immigrants - will lose access to SNAP completely over the course of the next year. That is devastating and humanitarian crisis,” said Maya Jasinka, Win’s director of policy and research.
Jasinka says their team is working around the clock to help New Yorkers find a way to keep their benefits.
“Are you actually in school? Have you not reported that you’re working? Maybe you have part-time work that you haven’t and then to figure out what does compliance look like in a way that works for you,” Jasinka said.
People who are pregnant, have certain disabilities or health conditions, or care for children 13 or younger can qualify for an exemption.
Alexander is hoping she will.
“Maybe they need to come see what it’s like to not be able to buy food with cash to see how it feels to only have $50 for the month to feed your kids,” Alexander said.
The city says anyone who believes they may qualify for an exemption or has questions about their benefits should call 718-SNAP-NOW.
