Opinion: A better plan for Alaska food security

Has been updated: 6 by the time release date: 6 by the time

We Alaskans are busy people. Our short summers and fall are filled with beautiful, sunny days and plenty of food to harvest. Gardens are thriving, fish are swimming, whales are migrating offshore, and wildlife is growing and preparing for the fall hunt.

When the snow melts, food becomes plentiful, and Alaskans have plenty to eat.

Or is it?

The Alaska Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a vital food security resource for many working Alaskans and their families. This federal program provides assistance in hard times to approximately 1 in 8 Alaskans statewide.

But COVID-related federal policy changes created challenges for SNAP in Alaska. During the pandemic, new or continuing SNAP recipients had automatically received financial assistance for food. But with the end of the federal public health emergency, all states and territories were required to screen all SNAP applicants to assess eligibility. Alaska fell behind.

The Department of Assisted Living had a declining staff. With a small number of staff processing a large number of applications, people applying for SNAP benefits had to wait long periods of time. The department has made significant efforts to increase staffing and upgrade technology, and is now better able to provide benefits to applicants. However, the department has been fined for failing to meet certain federal guidelines, and we hope that a review of the state’s data will help.

But wait. There’s good news on this front. We, Rep. Genevieve Mina and Sen. Kathy Giessel, worked together to pass an amendment to the bill to provide food security assistance to Alaskans. Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE, a complicated federal name) is a program that allows people who need food assistance to get it more quickly, with less bureaucratic paperwork and delays. At the same time, BBCE helps provide an “exit” to get out of the program and regain independence and stability. 42 other states already have BBCE programs.

While the BBCE takes effect in the summer of 2025, the department continues to work to streamline the SNAP process, including extending the recertification period, waiving unnecessary interviews, and allowing online applications. While there are staffing challenges, these small changes will save state employees time and ensure Alaskans receive timely assistance. Instead of penalties, the federal government should support states’ continued efforts to improve SNAP so all Alaskans can eat well and enjoy all of our state’s bounty and harvest.

Currently, the average monthly SNAP household benefit is $271 (in 2023 nominal dollars), or about $8.90 per day per household member. The new BBCE provides similar support, but by reducing the benefit cliff and eliminating the assets test, the BBCE program allows Alaskans to get off assistance. They will be allowed to accept pay increases, own a car for commuting, and purchase transportation that makes subsistence hunting easier. In short, BBCE provides Alaskans with a path out of poverty and toward self-sufficiency.

Most importantly, improving access to SNAP will help families buy healthy ingredients and eat fresh produce. We know that good diet and nutrition are essential to preventing and treating chronic disease. Food security from nutritious foods can serve as “food as medicine” for Alaskans battling diabetes and obesity. Prevention and effective lifestyle treatments save lives and save money. Proper nutrition is part of that lifestyle medicine.

We are proud to sponsor the BBCE bill and have seen the Governor sign HB 344. We look forward to ensuring Alaskans and their families have timely food security, an efficient Department of Health, and an opportunity for Alaskans to return to self-sufficiency.

Congressman Genevieve Mina (D) is a member of the Alaska House Minority Coalition and represents the 19th Congressional District. Senator Kathy Giessel (R) represents Senate District E and is the majority leader of the Senate Bipartisan Majority Coalition.

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