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Hunger in the News | December 6, 2019

December 6, 2019

A weekly round-up of the stories that caught our eye this week, with an emphasis on hunger, food waste, and poverty in the United States.

On Wednesday, the Trump Administration approved a proposal that will impose stricter work requirements for SNAP. More than 700,000 people are expected to lose their benefits as a result of the change. (The New York Times)

The Department of Agriculture is also considering reducing the amount people can deduct for heat and other utility costs when they apply for SNAP benefits. (USA Today)

Food banks from all across the country expressed concern that they will not be able to meet the increased demand for their services caused by the changes to SNAP. (WREG Memphis, KCRG Iowa, KMSP Twin Cities, KEZI Oregon, ABC6 Ohio, City & State NY)

A poll conducted by Hunger Free America showed that likely 2020 voters from both parties mostly support increasing SNAP benefits. (Philadelphia Inquirer)

The Supreme Court is meeting today to discuss whether or not people who are experiencing homelessness have a Constitutional right to sleep on the sidewalks. The justices are considering an appeal to a, “ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that held last year that it was cruel and unusual punishment to enforce criminal laws against homeless people who are living on the street if a city doesn’t offer enough shelters as an alternative.” (The Los Angeles Times)