The Alaska Department of Health is grappling with significant delays in processing Food Stamps applications, impacting thousands of residents across the state. This ongoing issue has raised considerable concern among community members and within legal circles, as these delays in food assistance have persisted for several years, causing widespread frustration and hardship.
The delays in processing Food Stamps applications are not new to Alaska. Recent state data, presented as part of a class-action lawsuit spearheaded by the Northern Justice Project, shows that the problem remains far from resolved. The lawsuit aims to compel the state to deliver these benefits promptly, after years of ongoing delays that have had a serious impact on Alaskan families who rely on this assistance.
Food Stamps problem that has been around for years
Nick Feronti, the attorney representing affected residents, highlights the worrying backlog of applications at the Alaska Department of Public Assistance. This department is tasked with managing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as Food Stamps, on behalf of the federal government.
Feronti emphasizes that despite various attempts to tackle the delays, thousands of people continue to wait for the food assistance they need. He stresses that these delays not only affect the well-being of individuals and families but also challenge the integrity of the system as a whole.
Data from the state reflects the gravity of the issue: in early September, more than 3,000 residents had been waiting for over a month to have their food assistance applications processed. As of that month, only 63% of regular applications were processed within the required time frame, a sharp decline from May, when 87% of applications were processed on time.
Even so, this represents an improvement over March of the same year, when only 19% of applications were handled within the designated period.
A system in need of lasting solutions
Feronti points out that while some temporary measures have been implemented to improve the situation, they have proven insufficient in addressing the underlying issues. “The data shows we still need long-term solutions,” he explains, suggesting that the state needs to do more than just apply band-aid fixes.
He argues that while short-term solutions might temporarily alleviate the problem, they do little to address the systemic challenges facing Alaska’s SNAP program. Effective long-term solutions would require a comprehensive overhaul of the department’s procedures and capacity to handle demand.
Alaska’s food assistance program has seen increased strain over the past few years. Factors such as staff shortages, outdated technology, and increased demand have all contributed to a system struggling to keep up.
While the state has made some efforts to improve, such as adding staff and revising application processes, the overall impact has been limited. According to Feronti, these measures do not go far enough in ensuring that residents can rely on timely access to essential benefits.
Deb Etheridge, the director of the Alaska Department of Public Assistance, has acknowledged the issue and the department’s ongoing efforts to address it. Appointed in 2023, Etheridge inherited a significant backlog, and since then, she has been working to improve the processing times.
In a recent statement, she confirmed that the team dedicated to managing delays has been reactivated, and she expressed optimism that the department would return to its scheduled processing times within the next 30 days.
The reasons behind the new increase in applications
One of the main reasons behind the current backlog is the seasonal increase in applications. Etheridge noted that this time of year typically sees a higher volume of applications, which can overwhelm the department’s resources. Additionally, the department has reintroduced the interview process for applicants, which adds another layer to the processing time.
Although this interview process is intended to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud, it has led to further delays, compounding the existing challenges.
This delay in Food Stamps processing is particularly concerning for those who rely on the assistance to meet their basic nutritional needs. For many Alaskans, Food Stamps are a lifeline, and any interruption in their receipt of benefits can have serious repercussions.
Beyond the immediate impact on food security, these delays can lead to increased stress and uncertainty for recipients.
The situation is especially troubling as winter approaches. This will be the third consecutive winter that Alaska residents are left waiting for the food assistance they need. The prolonged nature of these delays has forced many families to find alternative sources of support or rely on food banks, which are themselves stretched thin by increasing demand. With limited options, those affected are often left in a precarious situation, unsure of when they will receive the assistance they need to feed their families.
The lawsuit filed by Feronti and the Northern Justice Project seeks to address these delays in a more permanent way. By bringing the issue to the courts, they hope to ensure that the state is held accountable for providing timely access to Food Stamps for those in need.
The legal team is pushing for the courts to maintain strict oversight of the Alaska Department of Public Assistance until significant improvements are made. Feronti believes that with proper accountability, the state can be encouraged to implement lasting changes that will benefit residents in the long term.