HJNO Jan/Feb 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS  I  JAN / FEB 2025 53 Dana Lawson, DNP, MHA, MSN, APRN, CCM Senior Vice President of Population Health Clinical Operations and Health Equity Louisiana Healthcare Connections reduced distributions, and depleted inven- tories. This surge in need puts volunteers, staff, and the leadership of community-based agencies under greater stress. Many non- profits operate on tight budgets and un- predictable funding streams, depending on grants, private donations, and the goodwill of volunteers. Overextension in response to rising demands leaves little room to fo- cus on preventive measures, nutrition ed- ucation, or community-building initiatives designed to break cycles of poverty and hunger. Instead, organizations are forced into emergency response mode, providing whatever limited relief they can. The diver- sion of attention from long-term strategies to immediate survival efforts perpetuates the struggle with hunger. Without ade- quate support or systemic change, agen- cies and nonprofits become caught in a cy- cle of emergency interventions that fail to address the root causes of food insecurity. At the same time, the loss of stable nu- trition assistance has broader health con- sequences, particularly for vulnerable populations who also depend onMedicaid. Individuals with chronic health condi- tions — such as hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease — require consistent access to nutritionally sound meals to manage their ailments. When SNAP coverage is lost, critical dietary needs are often un- met, potentially leading to deteriorations in health status as well as to strains on the healthcare system. Children, a significant portion of Loui- siana’s Medicaid and SNAP populations, are particularly vulnerable. Inadequate nutrition during critical periods of growth and development can have lifelong im- pacts, affecting academic performance, emotional well-being, and future health trajectories. For pregnant women and new mothers, losing SNAP benefits can compromise maternal and child health by limiting access to fresh foods and essential nutrients. This nutritional instability sets the stage for poorer outcomes not just in the immediate term but across a lifespan. Addressing the challenge Reversing the impacts requires multi- faceted interventions that involve policy- makers, community leaders, healthcare providers, and the recipients themselves. Strategies to mitigate the harm of work requirements might include incremental, individualized approaches that recognize the complex barriers facing many partic- ipants. Offering supportive services such as job training, transportation assistance, and flexible compliance timelines can help recipients meet the requirements without jeopardizing their food security. Enhanc- ing coordination between public agencies and community organizations can im- prove outreach, ensuring individuals un- derstand the process and have a clear path back to eligibility if their circumstances change. Additionally, improving data shar- ing and communication channels among agencies that provide food, housing, and healthcare services can promote a more cohesive safety net. Strengthening the capacity of commu- nity agencies and nonprofits is equally im- portant. Increasing funding and resource allocation, fostering public-private part- nerships, and encouraging philanthropic investment can help these organizations cope with heightened demand. Technical assistance, training, and innovations in supply chain management may also better equip these groups to serve their commu- nities. Similarly, integrating nutrition con- siderations into healthcare settings — such as providing food prescriptions or referrals to food assistance programs — can help bridge the gap between medical care and nutritional support. By addressing hunger as a key determinant of health, providers can take a more holistic approach to pa- tient care. Ultimately, the introduction of stringent work requirements for SNAP in Louisiana threatens to intensify food insecurity, place undue stress on community organizations, and undermine the health outcomes of individuals already served by Medicaid. Without careful attention to the broader context in which people seek employment, care for their families, and manage chronic health conditions, stricter eligibility crite- ria may only exacerbate existing inequi- ties. Crafting policy solutions and commu- nity responses that recognize the intricate links among nutrition, economic stability, health, and social support can help miti- gate these effects and ensure that vulner- able populations do not pay the price for well-intended but insufficiently supported requirements. In doing so, Louisiana may not only prevent deeper crises of hunger and ill health, but also foster more resil- ient, thriving communities. n REFERENCES 1 Congressional Budget Office. “Work Require- ments and Work Supports for Recipients of Means-Tested Benefits.” Report, June 9, 2022. https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2022-06/ 57702-Work-Requirements.pdf 2 Department of Children & Family Services. “Changes to SNAP Work Requirements Effec- tive October 1.” News release, Sept. 30, 2024. https://dcfs.louisiana.gov/news/changes- to-snap-work-requirements-effective-october-1 3 Han, J. “The impact of SNAP work require- ments on labor supply.” Labour Econom- ics 74, January 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.labeco.2021.102089