School of Professional Studies

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.

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