ALBANY, NY — An Albany man who depends on food assistance says his monthly SNAP benefit was cut by more than half after recertifying for the program. David Gerard, 65, said his payment fell from $298 to $127, leaving him unsure how the reduction was calculated.
Gerard said he lives alone, relies on disability income and SNAP to cover food costs, and likes to cook his own meals when he can afford it. He said the lower amount makes it harder to buy fresh produce and other items he considers important to his health.
He also said he has not received an explanation he understands, even though his disability payment increased slightly. For now, he is trying to figure out what changed and whether the decision can be corrected.
Why Gerard Says the Lower Benefit Changed What He Can Buy
Gerard said the earlier benefit level gave him a workable budget for shopping at stores where he could find organic and fresh food. With the new amount, he said he has fewer choices and may have to look harder for affordable produce at places such as Market 32 or Walmart…