Nebraska DHHS evaluating USDA guidelines that could limit food access for undocumented immigrants

LINCOLN, Neb. — New requirements for the Emergency Food Assistance Program could mean some people lose access to food they previously received, and organizations like the Food Bank of Lincoln are warning the community about the looming change.

It has been five months since the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) directed state agencies to review options to ensure undocumented immigrants do not receive taxpayer-funded benefits like food from the program. Nebraska DHHS manages the program in the state, and food banks distribute the food. DHHS confirms it is currently evaluating potential implementation of the request.

Says in a statement provided to 10/11,

The Food Bank of Lincoln says 10 percent of the food it distributes is provided by the USDA through the program, and the new rule would add another barrier to food access.

“We believe that all people should have access to food. Always. End of story for us. And so for us, it’s counter to our mission to think about turning away a child or a senior or a family because of their legal status and not providing them food,” said Tiffany Murray, chief operating officer of the Food Bank of Lincoln.

Currently, people receiving food provided by the USDA submit their income and household size, but their full name is not required on the form. The Food Bank said, under the new rules, a full name must be printed and signed, which may make some people hesitant to participate.

The Food Bank of Lincoln said during the last fiscal year they distributed

10/11 reached out to DHHS about when the changes would be implemented and had not received a response detailing the timeline as of Friday.

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