75% of Arkansans who are receiving SNAP benefits are in families with children. Families are struggling to make ends meet. With the unemployment rate in Arkansas above 7%, the reduction in SNAP benefits that went into effect on November 1st, and the possibility that Congress will vote not to extend unemployment benefits, many Arkansas families are facing a perfect storm of need.
33% of Arkansans who are receiving SNAP benefits are in families with an elderly or disabled member in the home. Arkansas ranks #1 in the nation in senior food insecurity. That means seniors are too often being forced to choose between medication and food. Further cuts to SNAP benefits will place our seniors at far higher risk.
41% of Arkansans receiving SNAP benefits are in working families.The vast majority of Americans ―more than 70% according to Gallup polling―agree the minimum wage should be raised. Other polls show that sentiment at 80% and higher. Workers who earn a living wage are less apt to need public assistance and are able to feed themselves and their families consistently.
45% of SNAP participants in Arkansas are children. With more than 1 in 4 Arkansas children living below the poverty line, we are risking the educational, developmental, healthcare and labor future of our state. Children must have nutritious food at school and at home if they are to not just survive, but thrive.
Every $1 in SNAP benefits coming into Arkansas equals $1.79 in economic impact. SNAP dollars go directly into local economies. SNAP dollars mean the difference in grocery stores staying open, farmers having markets for their produce, employee salaries being paid and jobs being created.
Contact your member of Congress today and let them know you want SNAP benefits protected. It has never been easier to make your voice heard. Go to www.house.gov and www.senate.gov where you will find a contact link to your member of Congress. Tell them you believe that no Arkansan should go to bed hungry. Feeding our children, our seniors and our working poor is an Arkansas value that we support!