by WHAM

Rochester, N.Y. – Tuesday. community members rallied against proposed cuts to SNAP benefits.

Tuesday’s rally included members of the Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative, Foodlink, The Children’s Agenda and Congressman Joe Morelle.

The USDA previously proposed changes to SNAP benefits. Under the proposal, people receiving minimal benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program would no longer be automatically eligible for SNAP benefits. Officials would also look deeper into applicants’ assets and income.

Proponents of the measure say it will help direct money to those most in need. Opponents argue more than three million people nationwide – including tens of thousands of people in New York – could lose their SNAP benefits.

“When we at Foodlink hear about potential cuts to SNAP, we know how much of a burden that could put on our emergency food system and the hundreds of our community agencies in the Rochester region,” said Foodlink President and CEO Julia Tedesco.

Public comment on the proposal is open through September 23.