Many Alaskans are facing long lines for food in the past year while officials from the Division of Public Assistance worked through an extensive backlog of applications for SNAP which is the supplement to nutrition assistance program which was formerly known as food stamps.
The backlog currently stands at around 7,000 applications according to Deb Etheridge, division’s director. In a debate on October. 31 in Talk of Alaska, Etheridge said the division is also working to simplify the application process.
“We’re in the process of working now on a web-based SNAP application that includes an individual’s portal, so that applicants can upload their data and submit their applications via the web,” Etheridge said.
State Rep. Genevieve Mina, D-Anchorage Also, she has an idea for streamlining the process. In the course of the debate she spoke about the law she introduced to streamline SNAP applications, to make more applicants eligible, and reduce the workload of and the Division of Public Assistance.
“It permits a state to raise the income threshold that determines eligibility for SNAP from the 130 percent poverty and up to 200% of the poverty,” Mina said. “Additionally states are able to take away any asset tests. This test of assets is a part of the SNAP procedure, that examines how much you’ve saved.”
Mina said that the bill would help those who require assistance to to begin saving and still receiving SNAP benefits. It would also avoid what’s commonly referred to as the “benefits cliff” where a slight increment in income or savings renders someone uninhabitable for benefits.
The backlog has also brought to light the need for a greater emphasis on regional food manufacturing, says Andrew Jenson, a policy consultant for energy and food safety for the governor. Mike Dunleavy. In the course of the debate, Jensen pointed out that this was a goal of the policy for the next year.
“In the legislative session that is coming up it is expected to be able to see a set of proposals for policy which are intended to encourage and’de-risk’ production of food products in Alaska,” Jensen said.
Despite the progress, Etheridge said it’s still hard to determine what time the backlog in SNAP payments will get resolved.
