Support Food Equity! Supplemental SNAP Accessibility
Did you know that one in three households in Hawaiʻi is food insecure? Take a moment to support a more equitable food future for Hawaii! One of our priority bills to increase food access has been scheduled to support our incarcerated population in receiving SNAP benefits through a “pre-release” application process. This bill will have a hearing in the House Committee on Human Services & Homelessness this Tuesday, Feb. 3rd at 9:00am in Conference Room 329 and via video conference. Testimony is due Monday, Feb. 2nd at 9:00am, but late testimony is still accepted.
Support HB 1518: Pre-Release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Application Process
What Does This Bill Do?
Establishes a pre-release Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application process for inmates nearing release.
Why Is This Important? Sample Testimony:
Please support HB 1518.
Food security is a critical component of financial stability and, food security, is an issue affecting one in three households in Hawaiʻi. Within the households on island, federal law permanently disqualifies household members convicted of a federal or state felony offense involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance from access to SNAP and TANF benefits.
To strengthen the financial security of formerly incarcerated individuals, the United States Department of Agriculture established a prisoner pre-release supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) administrative waiver, which allows states to process SNAP applications and conduct eligibility interviews for individuals who are about to be released from prison or jail.
The purpose of the waiver is to reduce recidivism by strengthening food security for individuals reentering the community after correctional confinement.
Through this bill, Hawaiʻi could join thirteen other states which have created a waiver to accept pre-release SNAP applications, according to the United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service.
Establishing this process would require the department of human services to seek a federal waiver to establish a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release. This would also allow all individuals convicted of an offense involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance to apply for SNAP benefits, regardless of treatment status.
Mahalo for taking the time to support Hawaiʻi's farmers and food systems!
In solidarity,
The HAPA Team
New to Legislative Engagement? Learn more about how to engage in the Legislative Session!
Make sure you have set up your account on the Hawaiʻi State Legislature website. If you are new to the process, see this helpful page on legislative engagement 101 from the Public Access Room including a link on how to submit testimony!
