Advocates Say Christie's Decision To Reinstate Work Requirements For Food Stamps Will Result In Longer Food Pantry Lines

By Steve Tawa

PENNSAUKEN, N.J., (CBS) -- Advocates for those in need say Governor Christie has other options he should seek, rather than cutting off thousands of people in New Jersey from federal food stamp benefits.

The Christie administration says about 11,000 people - defined as "able bodied" without dependents - could lose federal food stamp benefits, if they do not find a job soon.

Back in 2009, because of the recession, states were able to waive a federal requirement that food-stamp recipients work at least 20 hours a week, when unemployment was over 10 percent.

It's about half of that now, at 5.3 percent in New Jersey, and Governor Christie says the state is ineligible to continue the waiver.

Chief Development Officer Tom Sims of the Food Bank of South Jersey says "the larger issue is how poverty and unemployment are defined."

"What's good for other parts of New Jersey may not work for Camden city or Salem County and other parts of South Jersey."

Critics say Christie could have applied for countywide and municipal-wide waivers in Camden City, and parts of Salem and Atlantic County that exceed the unemployment and poverty rates found in other parts of the state.

Sims says the net effect means an increase in food pantry lines.

The Christie administration responds by saying it's trying to move able-bodied individuals into work programs to help them maintain benefits.