“Food is a basic human right”: Activists call to end work requirements in nutrition assistance program

02 Jun 2023 — The newly-passed US debt ceiling legislation adds work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to people aged 50 to 54 while exempting veterans, homeless people and young adults under 24 that recently left foster care. Anti-hunger activists call for an end to work requirements in the country’s largest federally funded nutrition program. 

Without registering 80 work hours per month, SNAP beneficiaries can only receive benefits for three months over three years. As of October 2023, this will apply to “able-bodied adults” aged 18-54 that meet income requirements, do not have dependent children under 18 and cannot secure an exemption.