It Takes a Region

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) represents one of the largest governmental investments in public health, accounting for $64 billion dollars spent annually in 20 million households per month. As a national leader in food access programming, GrowNYC processed more than $1 million in SNAP at its Greenmarkets, Youthmarkets, and Fresh Food Box sites last year. 20% of the population of New York City receives SNAP. Despite the popularity and success of these programs, three recent developments in the law have set a new tone for the program, restricting data, enrollment, and eligibility:
1. The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Argus v. FMI has barred access to most SNAP redemption data.
2. The proposed Public Charge Rule has stymied SNAP enrollment among immigrant communities.
3. The proposed elimination of Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility will exclude working families from SNAP eligibility.
Speakers from the GrowNYC Greenmarket will present an overview of these unwelcome programmatic developments, highlight the most impacted communities, and discuss the role of SNAP in an equitable food system. They will be joined by two special guests:

-Sergio Nolasco
Farmer & Owner
Nolasco Farm

-Claudia Calhoon, MPH
Senior Director of Immigrant Integration Policy
New York Immigration Coalition