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Need SNAP benefits? You may have to wait.

Nov 20, 2023
In more than a dozen states, less than 80% of SNAP applications are being processed on time. Before the pandemic, the numbers were much better.
The most recent data show that applications for SNAP benefits are being processed late in a dozen states, including New York and Georgia.
Scott Heins/Getty Images

Food assistance funds for mothers and children are up for debate in Congress

Sep 6, 2023
While the White House is asking for more money for the Women, Infants, and Children program, a House bill would reduce WIC funds.
In addition to determining overall WIC funding, Congress has to decide whether to renew a boost in funds recipients can spend on fruits and vegetables.
Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images

One mom on what the end of additional SNAP benefits means for her family

Mar 21, 2023
Millions of people have had their benefits cut by at least $95 a month, at a time when food prices are up almost 10%.
Mansie Meikle with her 4-year-old daughter.
Samantha Fields/Marketplace

How SNAP expands to help after a natural disaster

Oct 5, 2022
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP, helps people access food aid or replace groceries damaged by disasters like Hurricane Ian.
Though Florida residents can seek free water and food through volunteer services, they can also apply for emergency food assistance through SNAP.
Giorgio Vera/AFP via Getty Images

Georgia has looked at what it takes to train some food stamp recipients to meet work requirements

Jul 30, 2018
The House version of the proposed federal farm bill would require parents with children over 6 years old to fulfill a 20-hour work or training requirement to receive benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps. That means nationwide 3 million more people would suddenly need job training. The conundrum, said […]

In Erie, social services are a lifeline

Jul 26, 2018
New work requirements may change things for those who receive food and housing assistance in the Pennsylvania city.
Roberta Lubman, 66, regularly eats lunch at the Erie City Mission in downtown Erie. The free daily meal supplements what she receives from SNAP.
Erika Beras/Marketplace

Senate committee takes a crack at a bipartisan farm bill today

Jun 13, 2018
While this version is less partisan than previous ones, safety net programs are still a hurdle

For public good, not for profit.

As many students nationwide grapple with hunger, California offers food assistance

Sep 29, 2017
A survey of 34 universities and community colleges found that about 48 percent of students reported food insecurity in the previous 30 days, 22 percent with such low levels of food security that they qualified as hungry.
Emaline Friedman, a Ph.D. student and CalFresh recipient, unpacks groceries in her Los Angeles apartment.
Emaline Friedman/ for Marketplace

What if the social safety net isn't safe anymore?

Jun 2, 2017
Food banks and other organizations are coming up with contingency plans in case funding is cut from the federal budget.
Volunteers sort food at the West Side Campaign Against Hunger food pantry in New York City.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images