S.D. Farmers Union Concerned About Decision that could Threaten Food Security for South Dakotans who Depend on SNAP to Eat

South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) is concerned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) December 4, announcement that could impact some of the state’s more than 93,000 citizens who depend upon Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help them provide food for themselves and their families. Under the new SNAP regulations, an estimated 688,000 Americans will lose benefits.

“Is this who we are as Americans? I don’t think so. We are not the kind of country who would do something like this to our poor and the needy. This decision puts some of our most vulnerable citizens at risk,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President and a fourth-generation Conde farmer. “As a grassroots organization made up of the family farmers and ranchers who are themselves in the midst of an economic crisis due to challenging weather and down markets, we understand what it is like when there’s not enough money in the household budget to pay for groceries.”

Are there some on SNAP who may not deserve the assistance? “Maybe. But should others be punished because of a couple bad actors? No. Look at the layoffs and business closures in our state’s rural communities. Just because someone is able to work, does not mean there is work available – or work that pays a living wage,” Sombke says.

Under the new SNAP regulations able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) can receive food assistance no more than three months out of every three years, unless they work at least 80 hours per month or meet other education or workforce training requirements. Previously, states could waive work requirements when jobs were unavailable or didn’t match workers’ skills, but the rule will make it more difficult to do so.

“This decision does not align with our organization’s values – nor do I believe it aligns with the values of most South Dakotans. We take care of our neighbors,” Sombke says. “I have a tough time understanding how tax cuts can be given to the 1 percent and government subsidy payments can be given to multi-national corporations, like JBS a meat company from Brazil, while at the same time food security is taken away from American citizens.”

Sombke’s concerns were echoed by the vast majority of the more than 140,000 comments submitted to USDA in response to the rule, including those submitted by National Farmers Union (NFU). In a statement released December 4, NFU Vice President of Public Policy and Communications Rob Larew restated the organization’s objections and emphasized the value of nutrition assistance programs.

“More than 37 million Americans will experience food insecurity this year, which is 37 million too many. But this number would be even higher without programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which help ensure that those in need can put food on their tables. There is no question that the nutrition safety net is essential and effective – yet this administration has done everything it can to slash gaping holes into that net, allowing hundreds of thousands of people to slip through the cracks. These work requirements, which will erode food security in rural and urban communities alike, are just another example of that.”

More about SNAP
SNAP funds are designed to supplement a grocery budget by about $4 per-person-per-day. Because these funds are only designed to provide a percentage of the money necessary to feed an individual or family, many who rely upon SNAP, have a difficult time buying enough food for themselves and their families.