Kimberly Fortin

Subject: Strong Opposition to Proposed SNAP Restrictions Dear Committee Members, I am writing to voice my strong opposition to the proposed restrictions on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These measures fundamentally misunderstand both the program and the realities of poverty. Families already receive minimal SNAP benefits—often far below what it actually costs to feed a household nutritious meals for a month. The idea that people are living off “junk food” is simply not grounded in reality. The truth is that the least expensive foods in most grocery stores are often processed items, sweets, boxed meals, and soda. Fresh produce, lean proteins, and whole foods are significantly more expensive. Punishing people for buying the foods they can actually afford with the tiny benefits they receive is not meaningful policy—it’s cruelty disguised as reform. And let’s be honest: many parents simply want to give their children small joys—like a candy bar on a holiday, a birthday, or a special occasion. No one is raising a family on chocolate and soda. These occasional purchases are not harming anyone, and they certainly don’t justify sweeping restrictions that stigmatize low-income families and imply they cannot be trusted to make basic decisions. Beyond that, restricting purchases does nothing to address food insecurity, employment barriers, transportation challenges, or the high cost of living. Instead, it creates more bureaucracy and denies families dignity. Strengthening work requirements won’t magically provide childcare, reliable transportation, or accessible jobs. Increased surveillance and monitoring of out-of-state purchases will inevitably hurt people who cross borders for normal, legitimate reasons—something especially common in our region. SNAP exists to help people buy food—any food—so that no one goes hungry. It is not a tool to police morality or micromanage grocery carts. Also people without housing have to buy food that is on the go and easy to eat. This bill increases stigma, reduces access, and harms families while failing to solve any actual problem. I strongly urge you to reject it. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Kimberly Fortin