A Crucial Step for Equity: Importance of Language Accessibility within SNAP
Read this LANGUAGE ACCESS one-pager to learn about what it means to have language access and action steps!
SNAP plays a significant role in helping low-income households afford nutritious food. However, language barriers can prevent eligible individuals from accessing these essential benefits. Language access involves making content accessible to everyone, regardless of age, abilities, or language proficiency. This is particularly important for individuals with disabilities, low literacy skills, and those with limited English proficiency (LEP). Without adequate language access, these individuals face significant challenges in navigating SNAP. By addressing these language barriers with action-oriented steps, it can ensure that all eligible individuals have equal access to essential food assistance. By prioritizing these needs, we can support our community and ensure that everyone benefits from programs like SNAP.
A lived-experience Impact in Hoosier Households:
A specific case within the Wayne Township school district involved a non-citizen family with English as a second language, struggling financially. The family had four children, ranging from high school to elementary school. Due to financial burdens, the children sometimes came to school without having showered and re-wearing the same clothes because the family couldn't afford hot water.
Family friends, who were already receiving SNAP benefits, researched and discovered that the family was eligible for assistance since the three youngest children were born in the U.S. These friends helped the parents fill out the application, and the family was approved for SNAP benefits for the three children.
“The extra help with food helped us so much to get the bills paid. I was worried the kids would be bullied or embarrassed. My oldest wanted to skip school to work and help pay bills,” said the mother.
Even though SNAP applications are available in a few languages, the translations can sometimes be confusing and at a higher reading level. There is also a misconception/ misinformation, and lack of education that applying for benefits as non-citizens will negatively affect one's immigration status. As a result, many people who qualify do not apply for these critical benefits.