Addressing Stigma and Breaking Down Misconceptions about SNAP
Addressing stigma surrounding SNAP is crucial to ensure all eligible students can access this valuable resource. Stereotypes and misinformation often prevent individuals from utilizing SNAP benefits. By promoting positive messaging, correcting misinformation, and sharing personal stories, we can challenge misconceptions and empower students to make use of SNAP without shame or judgment.
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SNAP AND STIGMA 1
ADDRESSING STIGMA Getting the word about SNAP on your campus is important because many students don t know they can access SNAP and it s a really effective resource there for all of us to use when we need it. One of the biggest things we hear about is around addressing stigma. In these next sections we ll give you some guidance on this. 2
ADDRESSING STIGMA Stigma is a major reason many people aren t accessing SNAP. Many SNAP policies, such as the student eligibility criteria, are formed from stereotypical ideas of groups of people. Students, for example, are young, have parental support, don t work, etc. We know that this stereotype of a student simply isn t the reality for many. 3
ADDRESSING STIGMA Often, stereotypes about poverty and who experiences poverty are tied to SNAP stereotypes, and many these stereotypes also have negative racial components. These stereotypes are an important thing to be aware of when counteracting misinformation 4
ADDRESSING STIGMA What stereotypes about SNAP and other programs ignore are the deep inequalities and structural oppression and racism that impacts who has access to opportunity and wealth creation. It implies and creates an idea around individual responsibility and ignores the many systems that impact the individual and their opportunities. 5
BREAKING DOWN STIGMA So how can you counteract beliefs and stigmas about SNAP? Positive Messaging. Talk about SNAP to other students in a positive way. Correcting Misinformation Sharing Stories. About the true face of hunger and what real college students experience. 6
BREAKING DOWN STIGMA: POSITIVE MESSAGING SNAP helps you keep healthy food on the table so you don t have to choose between things like books, rent or food. SNAP gives you options. You can choose where to shop and what to buy. SNAP allows you to choose the food your comfortable with/or that is culturally appropriate for you. Many students participate in SNAP to not let stress about finances get in the way of their goals. 7
BREAKING DOWN STIGMA: CORRECTING MISINFORMATION Correcting misinformation about the program s eligibility, how it works etc. can also help prevent students from mis- understanding student eligibility and what might prevent them from participating in SNAP. 8
BREAKING DOWN STIGMA: SHARING STORIES Sharing stories about the true face of hunger and what real college students experience can educate, break down stereotypes and reduce stigma. Asking those who access SNAP and face hunger to bring their perspective to this work is centered around inviting people in. Letting people tell their own story, share what they feel they need or want people to know. 9
BREAKING DOWN STIGMA: SHARING STORIES This example is a paper with a plate and silverware drawn on it. Students could write in their own story about SNAP or food or basic needs insecurity. It could be anonymous. These were hung on the wall and also posted on social media. Messages like this help to share about how SNAP is sometimes a part of the journey to get where we are today and that can be a powerful message to hear. 10
PRACTICE BREAKING DOWN STIGMA We hear that talking about SNAP and the stigma surrounding it is difficult. It is hard, and can be awkward. In the Understanding Stigma section of this toolkit you can find short practice scenarios for download. We strongly encourage you to download and print these practice scenarios and practice talking about SNAP with your co-workers or other students. Practicing will really help build your confidence and make it easier to have conversations when people stop by to ask you about SNAP or food insecurity. 11
