Under guidance from the Trump administration, Republicans in Congress have just proposed harsh changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) in the 2018 Farm Bill. These changes would add new work requirements to receive food assistance, kicking many hungry Americans out of the program if they were unable to find a job within three months.^[1]

This proposal would take us in the opposite direction of universal basic income: every American should have a right to food and other basic needs, regardless of their employment status. To stop these harmful changes, we'll need to show strong public opposition -- and one of the best ways to do that is through a letter to the editor of your local paper.

Write a letter to the editor using the tool on this page. Enter your ZIP code to get started.

Writing Tips

• Keep It Short: No more than 250 words.
• Tell your story: Begin the letter with a brief story about you or someone you know that demonstrates why you care about this issue.
• Use powerful language: Use powerful verbs and descriptive nouns. Write short, punchy sentences.
• Focus on Local Impact: How would this affect your local community?

Key Facts About the SNAP Proposal

You may want to use some of these statements and facts in your letter:

• SNAP is the country’s most effective anti-hunger program, helping 1 in 8 Americans afford a basic diet, with most SNAP participants being children, seniors, or people with disabilities.
• SNAP already has many restrictions and bureaucratic hoops that recipients must jump through, which has blocked many hungry people from receiving support. We should be making it easier for hungry Americans to access food, not adding more barriers.
• Currently, states experiencing high unemployment can extend SNAP benefits for those who are unable to find work. This proposal would override state rights by prohibiting these extensions.
• Hunger makes it harder for people to get a job, not easier. This proposal would actually act as a barrier to employment.
• Many low-income people face barriers to employment, such as very limited skills or mental health issues like depression. Under the new proposal, these people would be left with neither earnings nor food assistance.