Questions: Society & Politics

WIC / SNAP does NOT cover:
Diapers, paste, ointment
Soap, shampoo & detergent
Fresh fruit & vegetables
Dried fruits & vegetables
Toothpaste, floss, brushes, eyeglass
Rx baby formula (VERY $$$)
Cooking oil, sauces & dressings
Chicken, beef & pork, seafood
Basic first aid items
Toilet paper and tissues
OTC Medications

Also, many in poverty live in "food deserts" where there aren't supermarkets and must travel far on public transportation which prevents buying frozen & refrigerated items.

THE BIG QUESTION FROM GAG:
You DO NOT have to be a U. S. citizen to qualify for WIC or SNAP benefits.

For the WIC program, eligibility is based on factors such as income, nutritional risk, and residency within the state where you apply

Similarly, for SNAP, non-citizens may qualify if they meet certain criteria, such as having a qualified immigration status such as pending or in-process.

Stats on WIC / SNAP:

Hispanics and Blacks were more likely to participate in WIC compared to Whites, with Hispanics being 4.1 times and Blacks 2.4 times more likely to participate.

2020, the coverage rate for White individuals was 38%, which is lower compared to other racial groups. Hispanic/Latino individuals had a coverage rate of 64%, and Black individuals had a coverage rate of 50%.

Rural vs. Urban Areas:
SNAP participation is generally higher in rural areas compared to urban areas. In 2017, 90% of eligible rural residents participated in SNAP, compared to 82% in urban areas. This gap has been attributed to factors such as higher poverty rates and food insecurity in rural areas.

Regional Differences:
The Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Northeast regions have higher participation rates than the national average, while the Southeast, Mountain, Southwest, and Western regions have lower rates. The Western Region had a participation rate of 73%, which was lower than other regions

Well it sway independent voters?
Will it make a difference in the battleground states?