SNAP Rule Could Limit Food Assistance Waivers

President Donald Trump has proposed a new rule that could impact Hoosiers who need food assistance.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, requires able bodied adults without dependents to work at least 20 hours a month.

But states may apply for a waiver that can keep people from losing benefits.

Feeding Indiana’s Hungry executive director Emily Weikert Bryant says Indiana isn’t currently using a waiver for the work requirement, but has in the past.

"This often will impact folks in rural communities where there won’t necessarily be a lot of new opportunities for employment," says Weikert Bryant.

She says thousands of Hoosiers might lose assistance if the rule was adopted and Indiana couldn’t get a waiver.

The Trump administration says waivers weaken a state’s ability to help people help themselves.

The rule would not apply to the elderly, disabled or pregnant women. There are currently 700,000 Hoosiers on SNAP, a number that has been declining.

There is a public comment period for the proposed rule.