The newly signed federal budget bill puts many at risk of losing their monthly assistance from SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps.
Over 160,000 Hawaiʻi residents receive these benefits. The new bill adds the monthly 80-hour mandated work, volunteer, or study hour requirement on able-bodied adults up to 64 years old — an increase from the previous 54 years old.
Brandon Taylor, a 43-year-old Nānākuli resident, has been receiving SNAP benefits for his family of six since January. He was diagnosed with a manageable mental disorder, resulting in him being let go from his job…