T he U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed a new change to categorical eligibility reqiurements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Native Farm Bill Coalition is concerned that the proposed rule would have an adverse affect on administering food programs in Indian Country. At worst, it could lead to gaps in food assistance if families in Indian Country lose their SNAP eligibility based on the proposed rule.

The coalition is also concerned that the USDA failed to engage in meaningful consultation with tribal leadership on this issue. We encourage tribes and other leaders to submit written comments voicing these concerns. To assist you in writing comments, please utilize this template letter highlighting our key disagreements with the proposed rule and process.

Instructions for submitting written comments via mail can be found here. You can also view the proposed rule and comment online here. Submit your comments by Sept. 23.