Petition started to add pet food to SNAP

A petition has been started seeking to change the rules of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) to allow recipients to purchase pet food. “Some argue that people should not keep pets if they cannot afford them, but the fact is that an individual or family’s financial status can change at any time,” wrote the petition’s author. “Should someone be forced to give up a pet they’ve had for years just because they hit a financial rough patch?” According to USDA records, roughly 14 percent of the U.S. population was using SNAP in 2016, and the majority of people using SNAP and other food support programs were employed but still deeply impoverished. To qualify for SNAP benefits, a household must meet certain criteria, including income and resource limits. Undocumented aliens have never been able to receive SNAP, and only some lawfully-present non-citizens can receive them. Some states have placed limits or outright bans on ex-felons receiving SNAP or other food support benefits. SNAP benefits cannot be used on alcohol or tobacco products, prepared food, medicines, supplements, vitamins, or other non-food items, including pet food. Live animals for food can be purchased with SNAP benefits under certain circumstances. — WLJ