The realities of reentry: Not as easy as a SNAP of your fingers

I spent 15 long years in prison. Every day, I learned how to survive in a new reality and watched my community behind bars reckon with their own.

The U.S. criminal legal system has a rough history, knotted by violence, targeted tactics and discriminatory roots. I was witness to every twist of that system, from arrest to plea, sentencing and finally through reintegration. 

When I finally walked out of those prison doors, I had around $1,200, some state-provided clothes, four boxes of legal documents and a pair of worn-out tennis shoes. With no home, no family support and a mountain of legal and financial obligations, rebuilding my life felt like an impossible task.

But I was still better off than many others in my position. 

Reality is harsh for people reentering society after incarceration. Systemic barriers such as the lack of accessible support services, affordable housing or pathways to meaningful employment often exacerbate a cycle of poverty and recidivism. The few resources available to them are subject to significant limitations. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is one example.

In 1996, Congress allowed states to ban people with federal and state felony drug convictions from receiving the benefits from this program. As of 2024, there are 27 states that have elected to repeal this ban, but 22 other states still function under a modified ban. 

Arizona, where I was detained, was one of those 22 states. Those convicted of drug felonies may be eligible for SNAP if they fulfill certain criteria — for example, successfully completing a substance abuse treatment program. The issue with this restriction on eligibility is not necessarily the criteria themselves, but the major time and resource burdens it places on the finances, time and transportation needs of people who are struggling to reintegrate. The ability to reach program venues and spend the specified amount of time may sound trivial to those with resources and flexibility and time. But for someone recently out of prison, they can mean the difference between meeting or failing to qualify for SNAP benefits.

Women and people of color are statistically more likely to be convicted of a felony drug violations. As such, many of my peers who were genuinely trying to turn their lives around were robbed of the chance to do so. They were released from the confines of the prison walls only to be trapped without actionable solutions or a support system to improve their lives.

Starvation is not rehabilitation. SNAP benefits, or food stamps as we used to call them, are a lifesaver when it comes to successful reentry. I speak from experience, as they made a huge difference in my reintegration into society. We cannot expect a person with an empty stomach to be successful at anything, much less to traverse the maze of systematic obstacles required of people reintegrating. The policy to deny SNAP benefits affects some of the most vulnerable and overburdened people in our society. 

In addition to providing critical food assistance to people reentering society, who are fighting to support themselves and their families, SNAP benefits also include economic assistance, vocational education and services, and a support system through SNAP Employment & Training. Without these resources, securing a job is almost impossible. As a result, successful reentry proves elusive. 

Additionally, SNAP benefits are a lifeline for those dealing with mental health concerns or recovering from substance abuse issues, while simultaneously contending with the pressures of reentry. Ultimately, preventing SNAP resources from reaching the previously incarcerated population only perpetuates vicious cycles of poverty, addiction and recidivism. 

This has significant negative consequences on the lives of countless individuals who are looking for a second chance, while simultaneously hindering state finances. As of 2022, states were estimated to spend $8 billion to reincarcerate people who were released from prison. It's time to end this inane, self-defeating ban.

The Re-Entry Support Through Opportunities for Resources and Essentials Act (RESTORE Act) has the power to allow people with felony drug offenses on their records to receive the SNAP benefits they so need to rebuild their lives. Congress can help by including this policy in the final version of the farm bill, which is currently being debated.

This will also help shed light on the outdated understanding of the formerly incarcerated population, substance abuse and the resulting challenges that have led to the stigma surrounding them and their exclusion from critical policymaking to begin with. 

Having experienced reentry firsthand, I am fortunate to be able to speak as a witness to some of the major consequences of a tragic system. Amidst the hardship, I was lucky enough to find a career in IT and eventually, a role as a senior engagement and legislative campaigner for the justice program. I was gradually able to rebuild my life, but my journey is the exception, not the rule.

The American criminal legal system punishes when it should rehabilitate. For successful reentry, we need more than individual resilience; we need systemic change. I feel fortunate to be able to lend my voice to this crucial issue. But that is not enough. We must all encourage our lawmakers to include the RESTORE Act within the farm bill so we can ensure individuals reentering society have a real shot at a second chance.

John Fabricius is the senior engagement and legislative campaigner for the justice program at Dream.Org.