Scherer Introduces Resolution to Overhaul SNAP Recertification for Foster Families

 

 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As foster families continue to face challenges that may limit their access to affordable, nutritious food, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, presented a resolution urging the federal government to change its food assistance program rules for foster families.

 “With the end of the pandemic-era changes to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, it’s very clear that our foster families are in need of more help than ever before,” said Scherer. “Our families are being pummeled from all sides – by inflation, rising costs of medication and education- and I think it is incumbent upon the government to do what we can to alleviate some of those burdens.”

 Scherer’s House Resolution 75 urges the federal government to update SNAP guidelines to automatically qualify foster families for the program. Foster families are at a higher risk for food insecurity and poverty, which makes them often more reliant on assistance programs to make ends meet. This legislation would help to ease challenges on foster families by no longer requiring them to go through the long process to qualify for benefits.

 “Although the federal disaster declaration has expired, there’s still a disaster in many of our communities as people struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table. The challenge is amplified even greater when we talk about foster families,” said Scherer. “The federal government must step up and step in to give these families the support they need to not only survive but thrive.”