From the age of six, I played the translator role during appointments.
I couldnt have been more than 10, and I remember the anger and embarrassment I felt.
Why would my mother put herself through this if she didntneedthe benefits?
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SELF: You report that billions in food stamp benefits go unclaimed every year.
What are some of the major barriers to access people who qualify for food stamps are experiencing?
Dize Hacioglu:SNAP is shrouded in stigma.
The closer ones income is to the income limit, the less benefits they will receive.
Unsurprisingly, this can be very discouraging.
What some senior applicants dont know is how much listing monthlymedical expensescan make a difference in their benefit amount.
Other barriers lie in misconceptions about SNAP.
Its important to note that SNAP is an entitlement program.
This means that funding mirrors need, and anyone who qualifies for SNAP is entitled to receive benefits.
Who is SNAP for?
Theres a lot of confusion about who is eligible.
SNAP is for low-income and no-income households.
Over 80% of SNAP households include seniors, folks with disabilities, or children.
In addition to hourly and gig workers, SNAP covers Americans who find themselves in between jobs.
The program further spans to serve veterans and the formerly incarcerated.
One of the most important facets of SNAP is that it coversa varied range of Americans.
It makes complete sense that there is a lot of confusion about eligibility.
Eligibility mainly hinges on a households monthly gross income and the state they live in.
This is why a huge aspect of our strategy is tying outreach with promoting awareness.
How can technology help make the process of getting SNAP more dignified?
When implemented intentionally, technology can provide unparalleled access and empowerment.
Weve seen texts come in from users saying they didnt have a computer with which to apply.
For some people, applying for SNAP can be overwhelming and confusing.
This allows us to combine the power oftechnologywith human compassion.
Despite widespread food insecurity in the country, there is still harsh questioning of people applying for SNAP.
What types of barriers do these misconceptions create for people in need?
The perception that there is rampant fraud within SNAP couldnt be further from reality.SNAP fraud is rare.
I’m a woman.
I’m a black woman.
I’m a poor woman.
I’m a fat woman.
I’m a middle-aged woman.
If you’re all those things, you don’t count at all.
While Tillmon fought for welfare rights, she also fought for dignity in the process.
These welfare warriors paved the way for the work were able to do today.
Previously, NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed banning the purchase of soda with SNAP.
Do you think these policies contribute toward a culture of shame and stigma around getting SNAP?
As it stands, the choices of people on SNAP are alreadyjudged by different standardsregardless of their grocery preferences.
Should they choose to buy something organic (healthyand expensive), theyll be chastised for being undeserving.
Studies show that the shopping habits of SNAP households dont differ substantially from those of non-SNAP, low-income households.
The energy and resources of policymakers would be better spent on bolstering benefit amounts, not restricting participants.
What are things the general public can do to normalize SNAP?
One thing Ive found that reduces stigma and encourages normalization is education.
Do people really understand what SNAP is?
Before I started this work, I didnt.
I didnt understand how difficult the tool process is for those trying to meet their basic needs.
I didnt know that SNAP actuallylifts 3.2 million people out of poverty[each year].
I wasnt aware that SNAP contributed back to the economy.
I was too privileged to see the urgency of food insecurity in America.
Its also important to bear in mind that poverty is a systemic failure, not an individual one.
