Federal SNAP cuts would affect access to health foods for low-income families(letter to the editor) - silive.com

Your article on the impact of federal SNAP cuts on Staten Islanders was eye opening, however it left out a critical piece of the story: The Senate’s proposal also entirely eliminates SNAP-Ed, the federal grant program that helps low-income families eat healthy on a limited budget.

Thanks to SNAP-Ed, our Food Box program at the Goodhue Center distributes nearly 3,000 boxes of fresh, affordable produce each year. At each distribution, we serve close to 100 children and their families. For just $14 – or $7 with SNAP EBT – families receive more than $30 worth of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables that help kids grow up strong and healthy.

As a Staten Islander, I know how hard it can be to access fresh produce. SNAP-Ed helps close that gap. If Congress eliminates this funding, our Food Box program will disappear — as will many families’ ability to put healthy food on the table. I urge our elected officials to protect SNAP-Ed.

Staten Island children and families deserve better.

(Ilene Pappert is director of Children’s Aid Goodhue Community Center.)

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