Barriers to Successful Reentry: Understanding the Incarceration-Food Insecurity Relationship

• In Event: Roundtable: Reentry

Abstract

Individuals returning from prison face many barriers to successful reentry. In many states, individuals convicted of drug felonies are also subject to lifetime restrictions or bans from receiving food assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Lacking access to these food benefits, ex-offenders may be at greater risk of food insecurity. The USDA defines food security as access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food insecurity, then, is understood as a lack of access to enough food to be healthy and active. In this evidence based narrative, I argue that banning ex-offenders with drug felony convictions from receiving SNAP benefits limits their access to adequate nutrition and can hinder their ability to reenter the community. SNAP benefits provide a safety net while ex-offenders reintegrate into the community and search for employment. Without SNAP benefits, ex-offenders are more likely to be food insecure. I also explore the issue of why the SNAP benefit ban creates a collateral consequence of food insecurity for a drug felony but not any other type of felony. Consequently, I discuss the policy implications of this legislation and its impact on the reentry of ex-offenders.

Author

• Kecia Johnson, Mississippi State University