New Mexico lawmakers are aiming to improve SNAP outreach and processing efficiency by introducing a new bill that includes increased funding for dedicated staff and an application tracking system in order to reduce food insecurity and better support eligible families.
New Mexico Lawmakers Look to Revamp SNAP Application Process to Combat Hunger and Poverty
According to the report of Source NM, advocates are pushing for New Mexico lawmakers to improve how the state handles the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Cody Jeff, a lawyer who works on poverty and public benefits, says SNAP is very important for helping families get enough to eat. However, New Mexico has had problems with processing SNAP applications quickly. Federal rules say that 95% of applications should be processed in 30 days but New Mexico only met this standard in 72% of cases. This delay has caused some people to skip essential needs or face hunger.
To fix these issues, Jeff and people from Roadrunner Food Bank have suggested a new bill for the next legislative session. The bill would require the New Mexico Health Care Authority to submit an annual SNAP outreach plan to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They also want an extra $150,000 in the budget to hire a dedicated outreach staff member and create an application tracking system. These changes aim to make the application process smoother teach more people about SNAP and improve overall efficiency.
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(photo: Source New Mexico)
New Mexico Aims to Streamline SNAP Outreach and Reduce Food Insecurity with Innovative Solutions
The call for better SNAP outreach follows years of advocacy and some recent progress including a $60,000 federal grant for outreach efforts. Jason Riggs from Roadrunner Food Bank pointed out that successful outreach programs in other states could serve as a model for New Mexico. Better communication and outreach could reduce the fear of applying for benefits and make sure eligible families get help on time.
The proposed changes are designed not just to solve immediate processing delays but also to build a long-term system for SNAP outreach. By adding dedicated staff and using technology to track applications, New Mexico hopes to ensure that eligible residents receive timely support. This effort reflects a broader goal to address food insecurity more effectively, using both federal support and state-level improvements to better serve those in need.
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