Letter to the Hon. Sonny Perdue, Secretary of the Dept. of Agriculture - Reps. Cleaver and Clay Urge USDA To Protect SNAP, WIC beneficiaries During COVID-19 Pandemic
Letter
Dear Secretary Perdue,
As our nation grapples with an unprecedented pandemic, it is imperative that we use the tools and technologies available to help struggling individuals and families and to prevent further spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in communities across the nation. We write today in support of the Missouri Department of Social Services request for a waiver that would allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) beneficiaries to receive groceries by delivery.
Whereas having groceries delivered may be considered a luxury under normal circumstances, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with state and local public health professionals, is encouraging individuals to stay at home to safeguard communities. Increasing options and following social distancing guidance is particularly necessary to protect high-risk individuals, many of whom are in need of public assistance at this time.
We know that higher income individuals are more likely to be able to work from home, have groceries stored, and can access the necessary health care when they become sick. In comparison, individuals in low-income households that may receive SNAP and WIC benefits are more likely to experience the co-morbidities that make COVID-19 more deadly and they lacked the resources to purchase and store food in advance of the pandemic. In addition, many of the top SNAP recipients in Missouri typically work in what are now considered essential or frontline jobs, such as cashiers, janitors, and nurses.
As public servants who share your desire and commitment to protect the health and well-being of Missourians and all Americans, we ask you to approve the request for a waiver to allow SNAP and WIC beneficiaries in Missouri to receive groceries through deliveries. If we can help answer any questions or provide assistance in facilitating and implementing this waiver, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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