I’m writing to bring you an important update. The National Center for Law and Economic Justice (NCLEJ) has filed a lawsuit to challenge Alaska’s failure to provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to vulnerable communities.
The State has consistently failed to process applications and recertifications in a timely manner, preventing tens of thousands of low-income Alaskan families from accessing much-needed food benefits. To make matters worse, the State fails to provide language translation services for the large number of Alaskans who speak a language other than English, and understaffed state-run call centers fail to meet the demand of the State’s substantial rural and indigenous population. Those who may want to file their claim in-person may not be able to – Alaska's Division of Public Assistance only administers eleven total district offices in the entire state.
Eligible Alaskans are being unlawfully deprived of their benefits. When food stamps get delayed, families go hungry. We’re determined to hold the State accountable for these failures.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, SNAP access has gotten worse, not better. With the work of NCLEJ more critical now than ever, we need increased support to ensure every family can put food on the table.
NCLEJ fights to level the playing field for low-income families, individuals, and communities across the nation through litigation, advocacy, and organizing efforts. We rely on the help of supporters like you to fund our critical work.
Marginalized communities across the country face countless barriers to economic access and equity. We believe that everyone deserves to not just survive, but to thrive. That means living in a country that meets the fundamental needs of all its residents. In order to make this vision a reality, we must continue to expand access to food stamps and other critical benefits.
The National Center for Law and Economic Justice advances racial and economic justice through ground-breaking impact litigation, policy advocacy, and support for grassroots organizing. We have provided legal representation and support since 1965.
