Food stamps can actually help, rather than hurt, the economy, advocates say

WASHINGTON – Contrary to recent comments made by Republican presidential hopefuls about the overuse of food stamps, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) does serve both as an economic and social safety net.

Or, at least that's what those at Feb. 2 news conference, held by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., said. Each of five speakers, who included one former participant, Tara Marks, agreed that without SNAP many more would be going hungry and more still would be unemployed.  

"Food stamps kept 14.5 percent of Americans from going hungry," DeLauro said. "Let us not tamper with it, as it is in fact an economic safety net."

A Center for American Progress economics expert, Donna Cooper, told of the effects the program has on a community, including more income to local stores. Grocery stores that accept food stamps expand their reach – meaning they have more customers who pay more money.

Furthermore, she said those who are interested in cutting spending for SNAP simply do not understand that it would hurt entire communities.

"A cut in food stamps will reduce store hours in areas where people rely on food stamps," she said.

When store hours are reduced, weekly income is reduced. And when income shrinks, it's inevitable that more will fall under the poverty level and become eligible for food stamps. More applicants could mean more need for government spending.

In addition, Cooper said hunger in the United States account for nearly $167 billion extra in medical expenses and lost productivity per year.

While Marks, 36, of Pittsburgh, agreed food stamps play a vital role in community and national economics, she spoke more from the personal side of the aisle.

"I went a weekend without food while my son ate," she said of her time before applying for SNAP. "I'm here to make sure that more families can access food stamps."

Marks was earning her college degree when she used food stamps. She now is co-director of Just Harvest, which works to end hunger.

Other speakers included David Beckman, president of Bread for the World, and Elise Gould, an Economic Policy Institute expert.

Elijah Herington, senior journalism major at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, is an intern at the Scripps Howard Foundation's Semester in Washington program. He may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.