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New Mexico lawmakers have proposed a new bill with the aim of enhancing SNAP outreach and improving the efficiency of processing applications. The bill includes provisions for increased funding to hire dedicated staff and implement an application tracking system. These measures are intended to address food insecurity issues and provide better support to eligible families.
New Mexico Lawmakers Look to Revamp SNAP Application Process to Combat Hunger and Poverty
Advocates are urging lawmakers in New Mexico to enhance the state’s management of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as reported by Source NM. Cody Jeff, a lawyer specializing in poverty and public benefits, emphasizes the critical role of SNAP in ensuring that families have sufficient food. However, New Mexico has been struggling with delays in processing SNAP applications. While federal regulations require that 95% of applications be processed within 30 days, New Mexico has only met this benchmark in 72% of cases. As a result, individuals have been forced to forgo essential necessities or face hunger.
Jeff and the team at Roadrunner Food Bank have proposed a new bill for the upcoming legislative session to address these concerns. The bill would mandate the New Mexico Health Care Authority to develop an annual SNAP outreach plan to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, they are advocating for an additional $150,000 in the budget to hire a dedicated outreach staff member and establish an application tracking system. These proposed changes are aimed at streamlining the application process, increasing awareness of SNAP, and enhancing overall effectiveness.
New Mexico Aims to Streamline SNAP Outreach and Reduce Food Insecurity with Innovative Solutions
The need for improved SNAP outreach comes after years of advocacy and recent advancements, such as receiving a federal grant of $60,000 for outreach initiatives. Jason Riggs from Roadrunner Food Bank highlighted that successful outreach programs implemented in other states could serve as a blueprint for New Mexico. Enhancing communication and outreach efforts could alleviate the apprehension associated with applying for benefits and ensure that eligible families receive timely assistance.
The proposed changes aim to address not only the current processing delays but also to establish a long-term system for SNAP outreach. New Mexico intends to enhance its support by allocating dedicated staff and leveraging technology to track applications, ensuring that eligible residents receive timely assistance. This initiative aligns with the broader objective of effectively combating food insecurity, combining federal support and state-level enhancements to better serve individuals in need.
