Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit

‘It Is Critical’ for States and Counties to Maintain SNAP Services: Child and Family Policy Expert

Friday, March 20, 2020, By Hailey Womer
Share

For Immediate Release:

March 20, 2020

If you’re looking for an independent source to provide insight and perspective on the impact of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act on food security in the United States, child and family policy expert Colleen Heflin is available for an interview.

Heflin is a professor of public administration and international affairs at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and senior research associate in its Center for Policy Research. Heflin is the author of a new study published in November by researchers from Syracuse University and the University of Kentucky that showed participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) reduces the risk of premature mortality among U.S. adults.

The study, called “The Effect of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on Mortality,” was published in the November 2019 issue of “Health Affairs.” Using data from the University of Kentucky Center for Poverty Research’s National Welfare Database and the Economic Research Service’s SNAP Policy Database, this study is the first to demonstrate a specific link between participation in SNAP and a reduction in risk of death among adults aged 40–64.

For use in your stories, here’s what Heflin says about the importance of the Families First Act and increasing SNAP benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic:

“We know from previous research that the risk of food insecurity increases during economic downturns and is connected to local food prices. Given that so many families are currently both losing their jobs while facing increased health care costs and food prices, we can expect to see dramatic increases in food insecurity as a result of the coronavirus.

“The federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to families in times of need. It is critical that states and counties maintain program services and take advantage of the options provided in the Family First Act that expand eligibility for the program to include children who will no longer receive school meals as well as healthy adults without children in the household.

“My own research suggests that SNAP benefits have clear health benefits in terms of both reducing healthcare utilization and excess mortality. Given the serious public health situation that our country is facing, we are fortunate to have a program in place that is already keyed up to help a population whose needs are likely to get even more desperate given current projections.”

Thank you for your consideration. To request an interview with Prof. Heflin or for more information, please contact:

Matt Michael
Media Relations Specialist
T 315.443.2990   M 315.254.9037
mmicha04@syr.edu

 

  • Author

Hailey Womer

  • Recent
  • Innovation Fund at SyracuseCoE Awards $40,000 to Local Climate Tech Companies
    Friday, December 8, 2023, By News Staff
  • Psychology Professor and Ph.D. Candidate Awarded NIH Grants for Alcohol-Related Research and Treatment
    Friday, December 8, 2023, By Dan Bernardi
  • Auxiliary Services Expands Dining Choices, Meal Plan Options and ’Cuse Cash Opportunities, adds 727 South Crouse Ave. to Housing Portfolio
    Friday, December 8, 2023, By Jennifer DeMarchi
  • Former Blackstone LaunchPad Duo Shine in Forbes 30 Under 30 Awards with OthersideAI
    Thursday, December 7, 2023, By Cristina Hatem
  • From Boland Hall to Broadway, Colleagues and Friends Produce ‘How to Dance in Ohio’
    Thursday, December 7, 2023, By Kim Infanti

More In Uncategorized

‘Time, Talent and Treasure’: Alumna Phaedra Stewart ’91 Gives From the Heart

Maxwell alumna Phaedra Stewart ’91 finds it difficult to look at the world without seeing opportunities to connect with people, raise their spirits and empower them to make their lives better. A self-described serial entrepreneur (some might say a serial…

Syracuse Views Fall 2023

We want to know how you experience Syracuse University. Take a photo and share it with us. We select photos from a variety of sources. Submit photos of your University experience using #SyracuseU on social media, fill out a submission…

University’s NCAE-C Designation Renews Through 2028

Syracuse University has been designated once again as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) through the academic year 2028. The program is administered by the National Security Agency (NSA) with a goal of promoting and supporting quality…

Law professor available to discuss ruling that Trump committed fraud for business properties

Reporters looking for a legal expert to help explain the issues facing the Trump businesses after a judge ruled  that former President Donald Trump committed fraud by inflating the value of his assets, please see comments below from legal professor…

Syracuse Views Spring 2023

We want to know how you experience Syracuse University. Take a photo and share it with us. We select photos from a variety of sources. Submit photos of your University experience using #SyracuseU on social media, fill out a submission…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Youtube
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2023 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.