Community Groups Object to Proposed SNAP Work Requirement

The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) has proposed a new work requirement for people seeking to sign up for assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Community groups across the state have publicly criticized the proposed changes, which include increasing the age range for the work requirement. HSD told other media outlets recently that the aim is to get more people working or in work training programs.

NMIF producer Sarah Gustavus sat down this week with George Luján, communication organizer for the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP), and Allen Sanchez, executive director of the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops, to hear why their organizations oppose the proposed changes to the SNAP program in New Mexico.

HSD did not respond to NMIF requests for a representative to join us, but spokesperson Matt Kennicott’s comments on the issue were featured in a story that aired this week on KUNM – Hunger Is Not A Partisan Issue For Some Faith Leaders