Andrew Burton/Getty ImagesWASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Bobby Scott says the US Department of Agriculture concealed data showing that its recent proposed changes to the food stamp program could result in more than 500,000 low-income students losing free meals.
Scott writes that "the proposed rule will impact not only SNAP eligibility, but will also affect children's eligibility for school meal programs."
The program, Scott noted, "allows schools to provide free meals to all students in high-poverty communities."
The proposed rule, released last week, could end up stripping more than 3 million people of their food stamp benefits.
It would curtail so-called broad-based categorical eligibility, which makes it easier for Americans with somewhat higher incomes and more savings to participate in the food stamp program.