***For Immediate Release***
Thursday, November 5, 2020
Contact:
Magdalena Cazarez
Communications Director, Nebraska Appleseed
C: (402) 504-0074
mcazarez@neappleseed.org
After over 1000 Nebraskans sign petition, Governor Ricketts plans to extend SNAP Emergency Allotments
Lincoln, NE — Today, Governor Ricketts announced Nebraska will be extending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Emergency Allotments to eligible SNAP participants in November.
Nebraska Appleseed’s Economic Justice Program Manager, Eric Savaiano, issued the following statement:
“Because of the efforts of thousands of Nebraskans who shared their personal stories, signed the petition, and made calls to the Governor’s office, Nebraska will be extending life-saving SNAP Emergency Allotments for the month of November. As COVID cases increase, the price of food rises, and work hours are reduced, our neighbors are worried about how they are going to feed themselves and their families through the winter. SNAP is the most effective way to address food insecurity because it allows Nebraskans to equitably access nutritious food, especially during economic downturns. This decision will help ensure that every individual, child, and their family has access to nutritious food, regardless of income, ability, or location.”
In October, Nebraska Appleseed submitted a petition on behalf of 1,242 Nebraskans urging Governor Ricketts to accept SNAP Emergency Allotments that have been refused since August. Nebraska signers, representing 106 communities, expressed grave concerns that Nebraska was the only state in the country to refuse SNAP Emergency Allotments, causing avoidable hunger and hardship. Signers cited the $7M per month in supplemental food support would not only help families, but also benefit Nebraska’s recovering economy.
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