The Current Administration has finalized regulations on “public charge” that threaten the health and well-being of already vulnerable Coloradans. As the state’s leading anti-hunger organization, Hunger Free Colorado expects this regulation to cause widespread increases in poverty, hunger and unmet health needs by making immigrant families afraid to use SNAP and other public benefits to weather life storms. Conservative estimates for the regulation’s impact are at 26 million people nationwide. And because one in four American children have at least one immigrant parent, that total includes millions of children.
Nutrition programs, such as SNAP – also known as food assistance or food stamps, provide critical support for individuals and families to excel at work or in school and to maintain or improve their health and mental well-being. When individuals and families have access to nutritious food, their health, productivity, and economic security improve, benefiting the entire community.
Conversely, food insecurity, lack of consistent access to healthy food, is associated with a long list of common, costly and easily avoided health issues in addition to poor academic and developmental outcomes for children. Individuals and families who are specifically targeted in the new Rule will forgo critical program support, such as food and medical care, substantially increasing rates of hunger and weakening communities. Across our nation, our health and economic security will suffer.
The Administration acknowledges this consequence in the ruling, noting that, “There are a number of consequences … worse health outcomes, including increased prevalence of obesity and malnutrition, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants, or children, and reduced prescription adherence; …and increased rates of poverty.”
Finally, even though the final rule does not consider the use of benefits by U.S. citizens or people not subject to the public charge test, the harmful impact of these regulations will not be limited to immigrants without documentation. Even when all family members are U.S. citizens, many fear for members of their extended networks — like friends, grandparents, aunts and uncles – and reduce their use of public programs.
The public charge rule would lead to a hungrier, sicker and poorer nation. It should be withdrawn immediately.
We will continue to fight against implementation of this regulation. Despite its current or future impacts, there are still food resources available for those seeking assistance. Please call our bilingual and confidential Food Resource Hotline at 855-855-4626 to learn more about resources in your community. There is no appointment needed and we can share local resources to connect you or your family to healthy food.