25,000 in Wisconsin could lose food share assistance if proposal for new eligibility rules passes

[riversedge]

Updated: Jul 26, 2019 09:18 PM CDT

25,000 in Wisconsin could lose food share assistance if proposal for new eligibility rules passes


https://www.channel3000.com/news/25-000-in-wisconsin-could-lose-food-share-assistance-if-proposal-for-new-eligibility-rules-passes/1100314248


MADISON, Wis. - Karen Battle knows what it's like to constantly worry about where her next meal is coming from.

"I know the effects of not having enough food. I know what it's going to do to people. It makes them do things they normally wouldn't do," she said.

Battle is one of thousands in Wisconsin who could potentially lose benefits of the food share assistance program.

A new federal proposal under the Trump administration would limit access to food stamps by imposing new eligibility requirements. If the proposal passes, it could affect more than 3 million people nationwide.

Critics, like the president and CEO of The River Food Pantry, Charles McLimans, say it will hurt the country's most vulnerable population.

"We believe food is a right and not a privilege," McLimans said. ​​​​​"They are families that are working. They are families with children. They are seniors."

McLimans said more than 1,000 households get food from The River Food Pantry every week. McLimans fears that if the proposal is approved, the demand for food will increase at his pantry. ....................................