Legislative Changes to SNAP and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of New Work Requirements

Recently enacted legislation introduces expanded work requirements for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These changes directly challenge the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 1 (No Poverty).

• A mandate of 80 hours per month of work or volunteer activity is now required for program eligibility.
• Work requirements have been expanded to include all non-disabled adults, extending the age bracket to include those aged 55-64 who were previously exempt.
• Exemptions remain for individuals with dependents aged 14 or younger, those certified as physically or mentally unfit for employment, and pregnant individuals.

Projected Impact on Food Security and Poverty (SDG 1 & SDG 2)

The policy changes are projected to significantly increase food insecurity and poverty rates. An analysis indicates that approximately 360,000 Illinois residents, including over 20,000 in McLean County, are at risk of losing their food assistance. This development represents a substantial setback for efforts to achieve Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and places a considerable number of households at risk of falling below the poverty line, undermining progress toward SDG 1 (No Poverty).

Strain on Community Support Systems and Local Economies

Increased Demand on Food Assistance Programs

Local food pantries and community support networks are experiencing unprecedented strain, a situation expected to worsen with the reduction in SNAP benefits. This trend highlights a critical gap between employment and economic security, a key concern of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

• Food pantries, such as St. Vincent DePaul and Eastview Christian Church, report serving hundreds of households weekly, with demand having surged since the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Eastview Christian Church has been forced to implement food rationing, limiting households to one visit per month to manage resources.
• Reports from pantries indicate that a significant number of their clients are employed, demonstrating that current wage levels are often insufficient to cover basic living expenses, thereby failing to provide the economic security envisioned in SDG 8.

The Role of Food Banks and Partnerships (SDG 17)

Regional food banks are mobilizing to address the escalating need, underscoring the importance of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). However, these organizations face immense pressure.

• Midwest Food Bank reports that the 700 agencies it serves in Illinois have seen a 20% increase in individuals seeking assistance.
• Eastern Illinois Food Bank notes that its network is already serving twice as many people as it did in 2022, with at least 1 in 8 residents in its service area facing food insecurity.
• These food banks rely on partnerships with food manufacturers, distributors, and grocers, but the scale of the need created by federal policy changes strains the capacity of this charitable infrastructure.

Systemic Challenges and Disproportionate Impacts

Fiscal and Administrative Burdens on State Governments (SDG 16)

The new law shifts significant administrative costs to state governments, creating a potential conflict with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by weakening the institutional framework for social support. States with SNAP payment error rates above a certain threshold will be required to cost-share with the federal government. A bipartisan group of 22 state governors has warned that this could force states into an “impossible ultimatum” of either sourcing new state funds or cutting SNAP enrollment, potentially leading to the termination of state programs entirely.

Impact on Vulnerable Populations and Inequality (SDG 3, 5, 10)

The legislative changes are expected to disproportionately harm the most vulnerable segments of the population, thereby increasing inequality in direct opposition to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

1. Working Poor and Families with Children: Case studies reveal that even households with employment, including those with children who have special medical needs, rely on SNAP as a critical safety net. The loss of these benefits directly impacts child nutrition and well-being (SDG 3). Data indicates that 48.4% of SNAP households in Illinois’ 16th Congressional District have a child.
2. Single-Parent Households: The policy places an acute burden on single parents, often women, who must balance employment with high costs for childcare and housing. This exacerbates gender-based economic disparities, a key concern of SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
3. Older Adults: Extending work requirements to adults aged 55-64 removes support for a demographic that may face significant barriers to re-entering the workforce, increasing their vulnerability to poverty and food insecurity.

Threat to Economic and Nutritional Multiplier Programs

The fiscal pressure on states also threatens ancillary programs that advance multiple SDGs. The Link Up program, which provides a dollar-for-dollar match for SNAP recipients to purchase fruits and vegetables, is at risk. Such programs are vital for:

• Promoting Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) by improving access to nutritious food.
• Supporting local economies and Decent Work (SDG 8) by directing funds to local farmers and producers.

The potential loss of these programs would represent a multi-faceted setback for sustainable development at the community level.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article discusses issues that are directly and indirectly related to several Sustainable Development Goals. The primary focus on food assistance, poverty, and employment connects the article’s content to the following SDGs:

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 1: No Poverty

1. Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
   • Explanation: The article is centered on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is a key national social protection system in the United States. The discussion revolves around changes to this system—specifically, expanded work requirements and potential cuts—that threaten to reduce its coverage for vulnerable populations. The article states that “about 360,000 Illinoisans could lose food assistance benefits,” directly highlighting a potential reduction in the coverage of this social protection system. The story of Rick, who lost benefits after a small raise, further illustrates how the system’s design affects its ability to protect the vulnerable.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

1. Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
   • Explanation: This target is the most central theme of the article. The changes to SNAP are presented as a direct threat to food access and are expected to “increase food insecurity.” The personal stories of Keelin Erbe, who gave her own food to her hungry child, and Rick’s family, who now rely on food pantries, exemplify the struggle to access sufficient food. The increased demand at food pantries, which are “serving twice as many people today as in 2022,” further underscores the growing challenge of ending hunger in the community.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

1. Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men… and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • Explanation: The article connects employment directly to food security through the new SNAP work requirements (“work or volunteer 80 hours per month”). However, it challenges the assumption that employment alone solves poverty and hunger. It highlights that many people are already working but do not earn enough to be food secure. For example, a food pantry board member “estimated about one-third of their clients who receive SNAP benefits are employed,” and Keelin Erbe, a “health care professional,” still cannot afford enough food after paying for childcare and housing. This points to a lack of “decent work” that provides a living wage.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

1. Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.
   • Explanation: The article analyzes a fiscal policy (the “tax cuts and spending bill”) that includes changes to a social protection policy (SNAP). The outcome is a disproportionate negative impact on vulnerable and low-income groups, thereby increasing inequality. The policy expands work requirements to previously exempt older adults (ages 55-64) and affects single-parent households and families with children, as noted by the statistic that “48.4% of SNAP households in Illinois’ 16th Congressional District that have a child.” This demonstrates how a policy change can exacerbate inequalities rather than reduce them.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

SDG 1: No Poverty & SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Proportion of population covered by social protection systems (Indicator 1.3.1): The article provides specific numbers that can be used as indicators of coverage and potential loss of coverage.
  • “about 360,000 Illinoisans could lose food assistance benefits”
  • “More than 20,000 McLean County residents receive SNAP”
• Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity (Indicator 2.1.2): While not using the official term, the article implies this through several data points about increased reliance on emergency food aid.
  • Food pantries “are serving twice as many people today as in 2022”
  • Agencies have seen “about a 20% increase in people seeking their services”
  • A specific pantry served “about 480 households” on a slow day and sees “more than 50 new clients a month.”

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Unemployment rate, differentiated by age group (related to Indicator 8.5.2): The policy change specifically targets non-disabled adults, including the “age 55-64” group, who were previously exempt, making their employment status a key metric.
• Proportion of employed persons living below the poverty line (working poor): This is strongly implied by anecdotal evidence.
  • “one-third of their clients who receive SNAP benefits are employed”
  • The story of Keelin Erbe, an employed “health care professional” who still needs a food pantry.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Proportion of population benefiting from social protection policies, by sex, age and disability (related to Indicator 10.4.1): The article provides data points on the demographics of those affected.
  • The policy now includes “those age 55-64, who were previously exempt.”
  • “48.4% of SNAP households in Illinois’ 16th Congressional District that have a child.”
  • The story of Rick’s family with special needs children highlights the impact on persons with disabilities and their caregivers.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wglt.org