The proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have raised alarm bells among food security advocates and state officials. The legislation would eliminate an estimated $230 billion from SNAP over the next 10 years. This especially harmful change will be felt by millions of Americans who depend on the program to provide basic food resources. Food pantries and soup kitchens across New York City are experiencing up to 400% increases in visits. Critics have cautioned that slashing resources at this critical juncture would only serve to exacerbate the challenges facing children, seniors, and working families.
Philadelphia-based restaurateur Marc Vetri is capturing the moment and communicating with social media followers to provide up-to-date information. He does emphasize the long-term dangers associated with the proposed cuts. He emphasizes the crucial role SNAP plays in providing food security, stating, “SNAP not only reduces food insecurity, but is a stimulant to the local economy.”
Dire Consequences for Food Security
The legislation proposed by House leadership would go on to greatly increase the program’s eligibility requirements. It would raise the work requirement age from 54 to 64 and mandate that parents with children older than six meet certain work criteria. These measures would cut millions of families off from access to key resources at a time when they need it most.
Here’s Jilly Stephens, CEO of City Harvest, on the fallout that would come from these cuts. She explained that the changes, if finalized, would have catastrophic effects for the nation’s most vulnerable.
“Cuts to SNAP will mean that millions of Americans won’t get the food they need for their families. And it will result in too many Americans forced to survive rather than thrive,” – Jilly Stephens.
The impact of SNAP is evident in its ability to provide nine meals for every one meal offered by food banks. This statistic demonstrates how the program functions as an important support structure, or safety net, for people experiencing food insecurity. As demand for food assistance increases, the proposed cuts risk tearing down this vital safety net.
State Budgets Under Pressure
Beginning in 2028, states are required to cover a portion of the SNAP expenses. This amendment will make a historic change allowing the program to be funded much differently. This new requirement further unhealthy an already damaging strain on state budgets. States will need to come up with millions, or indeed billions of new dollars or risk being forced to give up on the program entirely.
Yet, that’s exactly what Democratic governors from 23 states said would happen when they opposed the new state burden. The groups argued that this is an extreme departure from the current relationship between federal and state governments regarding nutrition assistance.
“Congress is forcing states into an impossible ultimatum: either come up with new funding to backfill federal cuts or cut off families from essential food assistance,” – Democratic governors from 23 states.
They did an incredible job of fleshing out the absurdity of believing that states will be able to make up these enormous cuts without dire effects.
“If states cannot meet the full cost share, they will need to cut SNAP enrollment or end their program entirely,” – Democratic governors from 23 states.
Unfortunately, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott recently vetoed a budget provision that would have brought the federal money for the Summer EBT Program. This important decision shines light on some of the state leaders’ resistance to assuming more fiscal responsibilities associated with SNAP. His decision underscores the challenges states face in balancing their budgets while addressing essential needs.
Broad Opposition to the Cuts
Food security advocates and organizations across the country have come together to resist these proposed cuts. Their report shines a light on SNAP as one of the best, most effective tools we have to combat hunger. The James Beard Foundation recognized that chefs have a unique understanding of hunger’s effects on their communities. That’s because they get why this issue of labor equity matters to everyone in the food system.
“Chefs know what hunger looks like,” – The James Beard Foundation.
The organization emphasized that when people cannot afford food, it creates a ripple effect that impacts farmers, cooks, and restaurants alike. They fervently argued that reducing SNAP would do nothing but deepen long-standing inequalities. With this proposed move, they would exacerbate the suffering of marginalized populations even more.
Crystal FitzSimons from the Food Research and Action Center criticized the bill for its comprehensive cuts and said, “In addition to extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts for the wealthy and raising the federal debt ceiling by $5 trillion, the bill slashes billions of dollars from SNAP.”
Additionally, the bill would eliminate state SNAP-Ed funding. This program is an important source of support for nutrition education efforts like City Harvest’s Nutrition & Education program. Chef Marc Vetri spoke to the necessity of these programs. They equip families with the tools to cook healthy, wholesome meals that positively impact their long-term health.
“This is the furthest thing from waste. Knowing how to cook is a skill that can literally change a person’s life and give them a skill that can keep them and their family healthy and well fed by focusing on making healthy choices,” – Marc Vetri.
