“If I had to cut $16 billion over 10 years from SNAP, this is the right set to target. These are individuals who do not qualify for SNAP based on their income and assets, but who are allowed an exception given that they qualify for some other local or national assistance program.
“That said, anytime you make broad changes in government programs some people with real needs will be affected. This will mean a household of four making about $30,000 per year, that only qualifies for food stamps through the categorical eligibility, could have $150 less to spend per month. It could be tough for such households that are right on the edge of eligibility — but this just argues that the maximum income allowed is too low. “I would expect the reduction in income to hit nutrition hard. Households will cut back to account for the loss of income, but that cut will be more focused on food budget than other items. This will lead families to cheaper, higher calorie meals.”--David R. Just, leading behavioral economist and associate professor of economics in the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management in Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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