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State Unveils New Option For SNAP Beneficiaries

/www.fns.usda.gov

The Bevin administration is expanding employment and training programs as a way to help low-income Kentuckians meet federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs, or SNAP, benefits.

The 1996 federal welfare reform law limits SNAP eligibility for able-bodied adults without dependents unless they meet work requirements – 80 hours a month or 20 hours a week. Between the economic recession between 2008 and 2015, Kentucky received a waiver doing away with that requirement.

But now, the administration is allowing recipients between 18 and 49 to help satisfy the requirement by attending employment and training programs or volunteering. The option will be available in 20 Kentucky counties, including Fayette, initially – with the goal of rolling them out to 112 counties in the coming months.

To maintain eligibility for SNAP, those taking part in the programs must report their participation every 30 days.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.