Food stamp work rules don’t increase employment, researchers say
DELBARTON, W.Va. — The House of Hope mobile food pantry in Delbarton, West Virginia, serves as a lifeline for many residents in need. On a recent distribution day, a long line of cars waited patiently for hours before the food distribution began. Among those waiting was Perry Hall, a cancer survivor, and his wife Lilly, who volunteers with the distribution team.
The Facing Hunger Foodbank truck delivering the groceries had blown a tire, causing a delay in the distribution. Despite this setback, the community members in line remained understanding and patient. The Halls rely on a combination of Social Security benefits and SNAP assistance to make ends meet, but Lilly recently became subject to new SNAP work requirements due to her age.
Under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, able-bodied adults under 64 without dependents must work, volunteer, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours a month to receive SNAP benefits. This new rule has been met with mixed reactions, with proponents arguing that it incentivizes self-sufficiency and reduces dependence on government assistance.
However, research conducted by the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy has shown that work requirements do not necessarily lead to increased employment rates. In Mingo County, where jobs are scarce and poverty rates are high, residents face significant barriers to securing employment, including physical and mental impairments, housing insecurity, and a lack of education and identification documents.
Despite these challenges, the House of Hope food pantry continues to provide essential groceries to those in need. On a typical distribution day, the pantry distributes up to 400 boxes of food, including chicken, eggs, bread, potatoes, fresh fruit, vegetables, and milk. Timothy Treleven, who operates the pantry with his wife and Gail Lendearo, emphasizes the importance of helping both older residents and young people who are struggling to find work.
In addition to the House of Hope, several other food pantries in Mingo County offer assistance to those in need. Janet Gibson, who runs the Blessing Barn pantry in Ben Creek, takes pride in feeding her community and knows the challenges of finding work in the county due to transportation issues.
As changes to the SNAP program loom on the horizon, concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations like Trista Shankle, a single mother in Kentucky, are growing. Shankle relies on multiple forms of assistance to support her family while pursuing a master’s degree in social work. She worries that any cuts to these benefits could jeopardize her education and her family’s well-being.
Despite the challenges they face, residents of Mingo County continue to support each other and work towards a brighter future. The community spirit and resilience displayed by individuals like the Halls, Janet Gibson, and Trista Shankle are a testament to the strength and determination of those facing adversity in rural Appalachia.
