Rep. Teri Hickel introduces legislation to extend the time frame for SNAP benefits

Published 12:44 pm Monday, February 1, 2016

Rep. Teri Hickel, R-Federal Way, has introduced her first legislation that would require the Department of Social and Health Services to extend the benefits period for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP helps low-income individuals and families obtain a more nutritious diet by supplementing their income with these benefits.

“As a lawmaker, I value the SNAP program as an effective and efficient way of reducing hunger and improving access to healthy food for families of limited economic means,” said Hickel. “Our vulnerable families deserve the flexibility to receive these benefits and we shouldn’t limit their ability to receive healthy food choices.”

House Bill 2877 would extend the time frame of the SNAP program benefits from the 1st through the 10th, to the 1st through the 25th of every month.

The bill will help ensure grocery stores are stocked, and there is consistency with store employees providing prompt service to all customers.

The limited time frame for distribution of benefits between the 1st and 10th of each month often creates a bottleneck for customers and SNAP recipients, as grocery lines become frustratingly long.

“We believe DSHS should extend the distribution of benefits time frame to allow all customers to have access to fresh fruits and vegetables on a consistent and regular basis.

Also, instead of hiring temporary employees to work for the limited time frame, grocers will have knowledgeable employee assistance,” Hickel said.

This is a companion bill to Senate Bill 6535.