Children’s HealthWatch’s Public Comment To Oppose USDA’s Proposed Rule On SNAP Standardization Of State Heating And Cooling Standard Utility Allowances
On November 25th, Children’s HealthWatch submitted a public comment on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s (FNS) Notice of Public Rule Making (NPRM) for “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Standardization of State Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowances”. For low-income families, especially those in high utility cost states, the Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowance (HCSUA) is a critical support to reduce food insecurity, support good health, and alleviate some of the financial burden of other competing needs. The proposed rule would change how HCSUA is calculated and, if passed, would exacerbate challenges of low-income families to pay for both food and utilities. This would result in harmful impacts on the health and well-being of more than 7 million Americans, including 3 million children, as well as the economy. Therefore, we strongly oppose the proposed changes to the HCSUA, and urge FNS to withdraw this proposal in full immediately.