Without access to food, people simply cannot thrive.
Formerly incarcerated Nebraskans must be able to meet their basic needs to successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Currently, Nebraska imposes a lifetime Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) ban on people with certain drug felony convictions. Without legislative change, thousands of Nebraskans and their families will have fewer resources to put food on the table.
iN thEIR OWN WORDS
“Everybody deserves a chance to change.” – Vernon
Nebraska Appleseed worked with Heart Ministry Center in Omaha to speak to people directly impacted by the SNAP ban. Click below to hear small parts of their stories in their own words.
TAKE ACTION
Federal Action
Congress has the chance to end the SNAP ban nationwide through the upcoming Farm Bill, and has shown interest in doing so. The RESTORE Act (HR 3479), which could be included, has bipartisan support, including from Rep. Don Bacon in Nebraska’s 32nd Congressional District.
State Action
LB319, introduced by Senator Victor Rountree, would have ended Nebraska’s lifetime SNAP ban. The bill was passed by the Nebraska Legislature however Governor Pillen issued a veto that the legislature failed to override. A new bill will be needed to end the SNAP ban for good.
We know ending the SNAP ban would promote successful reentry, reduce overcrowding in our prisons by reducing recidivism, help prevent child and adult hunger, and reduce state costs. Through federal or state action, now is the time to push our elected officials to end the SNAP ban!