Date of Award
12-2020
Degree Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Department
School of Professional Studies
Chief Instructor
Mary Piecewicz
Keywords
MPA, COVID-19, pandemic, hunger problem, food insecurity, SNAP
Abstract
Food insecurity is deeply rooted in American society during and before the COVID-19 pandemic. Food Insecurity usually associates with economic indicators, such as unemployment rate, income level, etc. Currently, there are two main tools to fight the war of hunger. The first one is the government food assistance programs. And the second one is food pantries from the private sectors of the community. Both tools are facing numerous challenges due to COVID-19. The purpose of this article is to provide rational reasons to persuade the government to enhance the benefits of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and use administrative tools to help the local food pantries. The previous study suggested increasing SNAP benefits would indirectly reinforce the economy because it stimulates business transactions and creates more job opportunities. The SNAP has strict eligibility criteria relatively, especially after Trump Administration announced they would continuously cut the funds. In this case, local food pantries would complement the SNAP because it offers food for whoever came to their doors. During the pandemic, the government is facing climbing food insecurity over the county. Then strengthen the SNAP program and enhancing the food pantry system would contribute to the mitigation of the hunger problem.
Recommended Citation
Hu, Yuanhang, "Worst Time Being Poor? The Hunger Problem in U.S. During COVID-19 Pandemic" (2020). School of Professional Studies. 56.
https://commons.clarku.edu/sps_masters_papers/56
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