COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Georgia taxpayers could pay millions more for food assistance as new federal work requirements threaten to cut off benefits for some recipients after three months, according to local and state leaders.

Nearly 8 in 10 SNAP households in Georgia include a child, a senior or someone with a disability, according to Feeding the Valley Food Bank.

New work requirements target certain adults

Under the new federal law, able-bodied adults without dependents, known as ABAWDs, must prove they are working or in training to keep their benefits.

“It’s a real concern when benefits that otherwise people have had in the past are not there,” Feeding the Valley Food Bank’s Frank Sheppard said.

“One of the target groups is what they call ABAWDs... so they’re having to show work requirements or training to continue to receive benefits. If not, their benefits get cut... so it’s a significant effect on a good part of the population,” Sheppard said.

Alabama already seeing a decline

Sheppard said the ripple effect could extend beyond individual families. Alabama is already feeling it, according to state data, which shows SNAP participation dropped by more than 81,000 people, an 11% decline, since the new federal law took effect.

“SNAP provides 9 times the amount of benefits to Americans nationwide than food banks do, so any decrease in SNAP benefits does have a ripple effect on food banks... it’s a magnified effect,” Sheppard said.

Impact on small businesses and children

State Rep. Debbie Buckner said small businesses will also feel the effects.

“It also hurts the merchant, because those are big consumers in the rural area, at the little grocery stores, and it’s a lack of access,” Buckner said.

Buckner said the impact on children could be immediate and extend beyond the dinner table.

“Children that are on SNAP, if that’s taken away from their family, they will no longer be eligible for free and reduced lunch. That hurts them from morning to night,” Buckner said.

Georgia is now on the hook for $47 million in new SNAP administrative costs next fiscal year. Advocates say the ripple effect on the region is just beginning.

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