'SNAP is one of the most effective anti-poverty tools we have'

• Link to: Northwestern Now Story

CHICAGO --- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which help feed more than 41 million people in the U.S. per month, are at risk of being cut off in 25 states starting Nov. 1, if the government does not reopen.

Northwestern University health economist and policy researcher Lindsay Allen is available for interviews on the likely scenario, which she calls “a direct attack on working-class families who rely on SNAP to feed their children.”

“The SNAP cliff isn’t theoretical, and states are already notifying families that in a few days they won't be able to put food on their table,” said Allen, assistant professor of emergency medicine in the Buehler Center for Health Policy & Economics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Cutting off food assistance to force political concessions is cruel, and economically irresponsible, because SNAP is one of the most effective anti-poverty tools we have.”

Journalists interested in interviewing Professor Allen can email Kristin Samuelson at ksamuelson@northwestern.edu. She is only available for print or remote broadcast interviews.

“Democrats are holding out because they don't want to get rid of the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which a lot of American's don't realize is the only thing keeping coverage affordable for them,” Allen said. “Unless Republicans agree to extend tax credits, people are going to be shocked by how much their insurance is going to go up. They won't be able afford groceries, rent, medication and more because their premiums are going to go up by 75% overnight.”