By admin 
GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — New federal SNAP work rules now require more adults to document their work hours to qualify for food assistance.
Read more Russia hammers Ukraine with drones and missiles as Trump meets Xi in China
It’s a stricter policy that’s having an impact across the country and here in the Triad.
State data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shows SNAP participation dropped in Guilford County, Forsyth County, Alamance County, Rockingham County and Randolph County in April, compared to the same time last year.
Guilford County saw the largest decline, with 12,812 fewer SNAP participants.
Food pantry leaders in Guilford County say the need has surged over the past several months. FOX8 spoke with those waiting in long lines for food. Many shared their own personal stories about how the new, stricter SNAP work requirements are impacting their families.
Difficulty Meeting New Requirements
“Sometimes I have to choose between putting gas in the car or getting something to eat,” a SNAP participant said.
At Greensboro Urban Ministry, many are turning to food pantries after they say their SNAP benefits were reduced, or in some cases, completely cut off.
“I was receiving $536 a month, and then when they stopped, that was zero. None,” a former SNAP participant said.
Many people FOX8 spoke with did not want to be identified but shared how stressful things are without enough food assistance.
“If I have a need that’s a couple days from now, I can’t worry about that one, even though it might be important. I can only worry about what I need today,” a SNAP participant said.
Read more Muskets like those from 1776 are mostly exempt from today’s gun laws
Many say changes in employment or income level affected their eligibility. Others say they physically cannot meet the new requirements.
“I have a spinal injury, so I am in constant pain … I would like to go out and work, but it’s limiting me to go out and do those full-time hours,” another SNAP participant said.
Changes
Under the new federal rules, the age limit for working requirements increased from 54 to 64, and exemptions became more limited for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, former foster youth and parents with older children.
Guilford County leaders say employment and citizenship are among the top reasons for denials in applications and recertifications since last December.
“I have been in food and nutrition services for about a decade and have not seen mass loss like this,” Guilford County FNS Program Manager Sharon Roseborough said.
Leaders say the burden is now falling on community partners like churches, food banks and shelters.
“What used to be a certainty in this program is no longer there,” Roseborough said.
According to the NCDHHS, the full impact of the SNAP benefit changes will not be realized until the summer as participants are reviewed during their next recertification process.
Read more The Latest: Xi and Trump summit focuses on business links as Chinese leader issues Taiwan warning