Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps)

The persistence of hunger in America requires that NCLEJ continue its efforts to ensure that qualified low-income individuals and families receive benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamp program) as required by law. Although the federal government provides the money for SNAP benefits, states are responsible for administering the program. SNAP provides critical support to low-income households, many with low-wage workers whose earnings are insufficient to provide adequate food for the family.

NCLEJ works with colleagues across the country using a range of strategies to improve access to SNAP benefits and thereby improve the well-being of low-income households. We welcome inquiries from advocates about opportunities to work together on these issues. Feel free to contact us.

Highlights of NCLEJ Advocacy:

NCLEJ Sues Nassau County NY For Delaying Food Stamps, Medicaid, and Cash Public Assistance to Hundreds Each Month (April 2010)

Permanent Injunction Barring Food Stamp, Medicaid, and Cash Public Assistance Application Delays Granted in Maryland (December 2009)

Steuben County, NY Agrees to Speed Up Issuance of Food Stamps, Medicaid Assistance, and Cash Public Assistance to those Hard Hit by Recession (November 2009)

Rhode Island to Speed Food Stamp Processing Under Court-Approved Settlement (October 2009)

Indiana Agrees to Court Order Speeding Provision of Food Stamp Benefits (October 2009)

NCLEJ and Texas Colleagues File Federal Lawsuit Challenging Texas Food Stamp Application Processing Delays (July 2009)

NCLEJ and Empire Justice Center Achieve Settlement Ending Lengthy Delays in Processing of Food Stamp and Medicaid Applications in Long Island, New York (June 2009)

NCLEJ and Colleagues Achieve Settlement Ending Lengthy Delays in Processing of Food Stamp Applications in New York City (April 2008)

NCLEJ and Colleagues Achieve Settlement in Colorado Requiring Prompt Processing of Benefits Applications (January 2008)

NCLEJ Achieves Settlement Requiring Translation of California Food Stamp Forms (December 2006)

Center and Colleagues Win Initial Victory in Challenge to Erie County, New York's Failure to Process Food Stamp and Other Benefits (2006)

Center and Colleague Achieve Favorable Settlement In Arizona Food Stamp Application Delay Case (October 2005)

Center and Colleagues Stop New York City from Unlawfully Preventing Access to Benefits (2005)

NCLEJ and Colleagues Promoted Access to Benefits for Families with Limited English Proficiency (2004)