MEMPHIS, Tenn. — An 85-year-old retired deputy is one of many Memphis residents going through tough times after losing SNAP benefits that help pay for her food.
Jenice Cole served as a deputy sheriff for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years. She would love to continue working, but her doctor recommended that she stops due to her health issues.
“I have to have eye surgery. They’re going to remove my eye and do some work on it,” Cole said. “You want to know what’s wrong with my heart? It’s about out, I guess. It’s worn out. I have a pacemaker.”
She has been relying on SNAP benefits to assist her for the last five years. The problem now is her benefits are no longer available.
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According to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) , there was a change in stamp eligibility in a household of one. You cannot make more than $1,215 a month.
“My income runs about $1,900 a month, so no food, no personal stuff, or nothing,” Cole said.