Here's a big, simple idea that's
1/ already allowed by law;
2/ solves a bunch of problems at once;
3/ just needs a small push from Congress to go national:
Expand food stamp benefits, then allow them to be used at restaurants, not just grocery stores.
Here me out.
1/ already allowed by law;
2/ solves a bunch of problems at once;
3/ just needs a small push from Congress to go national:
Expand food stamp benefits, then allow them to be used at restaurants, not just grocery stores.
Here me out.
2/ Research shows that the 2009 stimulus program that got the biggest bang for the buck (ie best ratio of money spent vs. money into Main St. economy) was the expansion of SNAP benefits.
Almost all the money appropriated got spent by consumers, and in the right places.
Almost all the money appropriated got spent by consumers, and in the right places.
3/ With schools and day cares closed, food insecurity is going to be an ever bigger crisis now than it was in 2009. No question we need to increase SNAP benefits.
But here's the rub: a little known SNAP rule says states can allow the benefits to be used in restaurants.
But here's the rub: a little known SNAP rule says states can allow the benefits to be used in restaurants.
4/ Restaurants are closing down. Some can't sustain a two week closure and won't reopen. SNAP customers alone won't solve that problem, but the additional business (for those that are open for take out or for when restaurants reopen) certainly would help.
5/ But's it's not easy for states to adopt the program (CA is the only one today). Congress and the Administration can take steps in the next emergency aid package to make it easier.
It's a classic win/win.
Less people starve. Less businesses close.
It's a classic win/win.
Less people starve. Less businesses close.
