On March 28, 2023, a STAT News article highlighted the negative health impacts that ending SNAP allotments would have on children. In March 2020, Congress passed legislation enabling states to provide Emergency Allotments, assisting millions of families in feeding their children. However, the allotments ended on March 1, 2023, sharply cutting a lifeline for 16 million households. The first three years of a child’s life are the most important in their lifelong growth and development. When families are unable to afford nutritious food to supplement their young children, they grow up at a disadvantage physically, mentally, and academically. According to the AAP, families that receive SNAP benefits have reduced emergency room visits for their children.
By Yonathan Gonzalez Villatoro, Policy Intern, Pizzigati Fellow
