FOR THOSE WITH FELONY DRUG CONVICTIONS, ACCESSING FEDERAL FOOD BENEFITS ISN’T ALWAYS A SNAP

During “The War on Drugs” in the 1990s, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 was passed nationwide. This act banned individuals with a felony drug conviction from receiving federal food assistance. Since then, many states have opted out of this ruling, citing concerns for equity and seeing the increase in food insecurity because of this law. North Carolina, however, has not opted out of this ruling and still bars anyone with a Class G drug felony and above from receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for life. Those with Class H or I convictions can receive benefits if they meet specific criteria and a waiting period of six months.1 Additionally, non-drug-related felony convictions are eligible for SNAP benefits, which causes concern over the double standard and increases the risk of food insecurity for those with prior drug convictions. Even after serving sentences, individuals with felony drug convictions are barred from accessing SNAP benefits, creating a double standard and increasing food insecurity. North Carolina General Assembly can and should pass legislation to opt out of the felony drug ban, creating equal opportunities for all people with prior felony convictions to access food. Read the full policy brief here:

ATee SNAP Policy Brief.pdf

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