Cong. Bishop Voices “Serious Concerns” with SNAP Reforms

Georgia’s Second Congressional District has the highest number of SNAP recipients in the state–more than 57,000.

So it’s especially noteworthy when the district’s representative is alarmed at reforms to the program.

Sanford Bishop said in a recently-released statement the proposed Trump administration reforms could “exacerbate” existing woes for needy families (Bishop ever so helpfully noted he’s the ranking Democrat on the Agriculture Appropriations Committee and will “closely analyze” the reform bill so… be prepared).

And, let’s face it: considering how universally awful Americans’ diets are, do we really want to restrict access to fresh produce in lieu of shelf-stable cereals? But don’t take my word for it: the Brookings Institute decried the reforms as well.

Anyway, Congressman Bishop said:

“I have significant concerns about the proposed reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program is widely considered an efficient and successful safety net that offers desperately needed support to those in need. More than 57,000 households in my district receive SNAP benefits, which is the highest number in the state of Georgia. Nationwide, 42 million people rely on SNAP. We live in the most prosperous nation in the history of the world, and no one should go hungry, lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables, or worry where their next meal is coming from. Reforms that would shame those that receive SNAP benefits or limit the ability of vulnerable citizens to receive the nutrition they need to survive would be major step backwards for our country. We must also focus on addressing the challenge of food deserts, which would likely be exacerbated by these proposed reforms.”