Episode 47: SNAP Boosts the Economy
About the Podcast
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits you, even though you do not participate in the program! It is time to change the way we perceive food assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, and food pantries. In this “Candid Clancy” episode, our podcast host, TEDx speaker and founder of The Food Dignity Project Clancy Cash Harrison tells us why this should happen!
About Clancy Harrison
As a registered dietitian, TEDx speaker, international speaker, and author, Clancy Harrison challenges the way food insecurity is approached in the US. Her mission to demolish the stigma around healthy food access places her on the cutting edge of advocacy.
Clancy is the founder of the Food Dignity® Project, a strategic program for leaders who want to shift how they approach nutrition outreach by making healthy food access a priority. She transforms the lives of thousands of people through her work with corporations, non-profit organizations, and universities.
Currently, Clancy is an advisory board member for the Pennsylvania American Academy of Pediatrics Food Insecurity EPIC program, Ambassador of the National Dairy Council, and the President of the Al Beech West Side Food Pantry. Since the onset of COVID-19 Clancy has distributed nearly 1 million meals in her community to improve access to healthy food through effective collaborations.
Discussion Takeaways
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are critical for the food charity arena and economy.
- Nearly 3 billion dollars were invested back into Pennsylvania’s economy in the retail space because of SNAP.
- Here are some statistics from the Food Research and Action Center’s “Facts SNAP Strengths” article:
- Every dollar invested in SNAP generates between $1.50 and $1.80 in economic activity!
- SNAP lifted 3.2 million people out of poverty in 2018.
- SNAP also boosts graduation rates, adult earnings, and improves health outcomes.
- SNAP benefits are used quickly, so it boosts our economy in economic emergencies like what happened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The beautiful image above was created by Rebecca Garofano, our Food Dignity Institute Lead and Illustration Specialist. You can find more of her work at @VeggieDoodleSoup on Instagram and at her website veggiedoodlesoup.com.
#1 tip to improve access to healthy food
The SNAP program helps your bottom line!
Each week on the Food Dignity® Podcast, the Food Dignity® Movement’s Clancy Harrison hosts a wide variety of hunger experts and other people making changes on the frontlines. Join us as we dive deep into conversations that will change the way you think about food insecurity.
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