As a single mother of two, I know what it means to work hard and still struggle to make ends meet. There was a time in my life when I relied on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to keep food on the table.

During that time, I was in college and always held a job, sometimes two. I submitted income reports every month as required to prove my eligibility for this assistance. Despite such safeguards, there remains a false narrative that reduces SNAP recipients to harmful stereotypes, often rooted in racism.

While two-thirds of SNAP participants are children, elderly or disabled, the vast majority of SNAP recipients who are capable of working do so. Many of those who work full-time face low wages and rising costs that make it impossible to get ahead.

Food assistance is

See Full Page