Many low-income older adults are facing food insecurity and poor nutrition, leading to worsening health and increased health care use. Currently, New Hampshire has low participation for older adults in SNAP, a state program that provides grocery dollars to low-income individuals. This means that many low-income older adults who are eligible to receive SNAP benefits are not getting them.
SB 499, the Hunger Free NH Act, aims to reduce hunger for NH children, older adults, and people with disabilities.
About the Bill
SB 499 would help older adults and people with disabilities in New Hampshire access SNAP benefits. SB 499 includes the federal Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP), which makes it easier for older adults and people with disabilities, who are often on fixed incomes, to enroll and stay enrolled in SNAP. This would help low-income, older Granite Staters get the food and nutrition they need.
Bill Status
The Senate passed SB 499 with an amendment that makes targeted investments and establishes necessary programs and policies to help feed NH’s older adults, people living with disabilities, and children.
The House of Representatives passed an amendment that includes the Elderly Simplified Application Project for SNAP and funding for New Hampshire’s participation in Summer EBT, a federal program that feeds hungry kids during the summer.
Since the bill was amended by the House, it was sent back to the Senate for review. The Senate requested a Committee of Conference to work through differences in the bill, which agreed on a final version that includes funding for New Hampshire’s participation in Summer EBT. The bill passed the House and Senate chambers in a final vote, and was signed into law by the Governor on August 2, 2024.
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