SNAP Cuts
Congress is moving fast to approve the biggest SNAP cut in history – and NOW is the time to urge our Congress members to fight back and vote NO on the budget.
SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is the largest anti-hunger program in the u.s. , providing monthly funds for people to buy groceries. With inflation, rising food and living costs and stagnant wages, families turn to SNAP benefits to help shop for food necessities.
The current federal budget framework identifies at least $290 billion in cuts to the snap program nationally. This budget bill denies eligibility to parents, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, legally residing immigrants and adults up to 65 years old, who are not fully employed year-round.
On top of these cuts, the proposal requires states to pay more administration and food costs for SNAP– these changes could cost Washington state an additional $432 million per year, money not accounted for in the already tight state budget.
Based on the current federal budget proposal:
- $25 million per month (or more) in SNAP benefits could be cut in the State of Washington.
- 900,000 people are at risk of losing some SNAP benefits.
- Average SNAP benefits could shrink to $4.18 per day to purchase groceries.
Acesss to healthy foods will be limited. The reduction in food spending will also affect local businesses and farmers, creating a ripple effect that further disrupts our food systems.
How can you help?
Call your representatives or add your name to this letter to urge them to preserve these important food assistance benefits.
Share your belief that food is a human right. Speak to your friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family about food access for everyone.
Donate to Food Lifeline today. It takes all of us working together to nourish our community. Your gift supports Food Lifeline’s efforts to distribute healthy, culturally relevant foods to our communities. Your gift also supports diligent policy work to address the systematic barriers to food security.
Thank you for taking action today on food security for all! Your voice makes a difference.