No Kid Hungry Director Rachel Sabella on Governor Hochul’s Budget Proposal to Address “SNAP Skimming”
New York, New York: Governor Kathy Hochul’s budget proposal, released today, included a provision to allow New York to reimburse Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients whose benefits have been stolen by card skimming. The move allows the state to implement the federal reimbursement process instated under the federal omnibus appropriations bill passed by Congress in December. The following is a statement from No Kid Hungry New York Director Rachel Sabella:
“I commend Governor Hochul’s swift action to ensure New Yorkers who have been robbed of their SNAP benefits through “SNAP skimming” can be provided with much-needed relief through retroactive federal reimbursement of those stolen benefits. I can’t imagine a theft much more sinister than stealing the dollars families receive to help put food on the table for their children, and I’m glad it’s being addressed federally and here in New York.
“More than 1.5 million New York households receive SNAP benefits each month, and more than half of those are families with children. We know that providing families with grocery benefits like SNAP is one of the most effective ways to ensure children have the nutrition they need, and I look forward to further action at the city, state and federal level to improve access and expand benefits so this critical resource is available to all the families that need it.”
“While this is a first step towards helping children and families facing food insecurity, SNAP is but one piece of the puzzle. We look forward to working with Governor Hochul and the Legislature this budget session to expand other key programs like free school meals and tax credits.”
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