Speaking SNAP: How to Make the Economic Case for Hunger Relief

Image of a hand holding a megaphone.

When I became the founding director of the Iowa Food Bank Association, it became clear that a big part of my work was going to be advocacy and lobbying. As a person with a degree in nonprofit management, this was a brand new world to me, and unfortunately so. Advocacy and lobbying have historically been bad words in the nonprofit sector, or at least misunderstood words. However, with a divided state house and powerful congress people on both sides of the aisle in DC, it was imperative to understand how to advocate for anti-hunger policy to different audiences. 

At this moment, when SNAP is being targeted for massive cuts, it is time to get back to advocating for SNAP as an economic stimulus that makes sense to elected officials. Here are some of those talking points: 

SNAP’s Economic Impact

  • Generates $1.70-$1.80 in economic activity for every $1 spent

  • Supports local grocers, farmers, and food retailers in rural communities

  • Reduces healthcare costs by approximately $1,400 per person annually through improved nutrition


Workforce Development

  • Nearly 75% of SNAP recipients who can work do work within a year of receiving benefits

  • SNAP includes work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents

  • SNAP serves as a temporary safety net as average participation is 12 months


Fiscal Responsibility

  • SNAP has one of the lowest fraud rates (less than 1%) among federal programs

  • Administrative costs are approximately 7% of total program spending

  • Benefit levels are modest—averaging about $6 per person per day


Supports Vulnerable Populations

  • Two-thirds (66%) of SNAP recipients are families with children

  • Nearly 40% of recipients are working families with insufficient wages

  • SNAP is an essential resource for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who cannot work


State Flexibility

  • States have significant control over program implementation

  • Allows for innovative public-private partnerships with local businesses

  • Can be tailored to meet unique needs of rural and agricultural districts

Getting started with advocacy may seem daunting, but this is a critical moment to help protect programs that strengthen our communities. Learn more about advocacy and anti-hunger policy from Feeding America here. 

Stacy Van GorpComment