If the right-wing has its way, nutrition resources and the benefits they provide would be snatched away from children, families, older adults, and people with disabilities. Congressional leaders are looking to “fast track” budget legislation in the coming weeks that disproportionately benefits the wealthiest taxpayers. Two weeks ago, House Committee leaders discussed strategies to cut up to $250 billion from food assistance as part of their larger budget package. We cannot give handouts to the rich on the backs of the most vulnerable.
The proposal could lead to a 22% cut in SNAP by rescinding the most recent modest update of the Thrifty Food Plan―the program used to determine SNAP benefit amounts―and would negatively impact 41 million people per year. Let’s get specific: because of the update, benefits under the Thrifty Food Plan now average $6.20 per person per day. That’s the benefit level they want to slash.
Changes in SNAP proposed by the Republican Study Committee and Project 2025 include:
SNAP provides much more than just food assistance: It is a critical support system that promotes food security, economic well-being, and better health outcomes. The program plays a vital role in addressing hunger, reducing health care costs, and improving the long-term prospects of households with low incomes.
Cuts to SNAP would not only increase food insecurity but also shift costs to local governments and charities, which cannot fully meet the need. For example, while emergency food programs help, they only provide one meal for every nine meals that SNAP supplies. The proposed cuts would further strain food banks, food retailers, and those serving vulnerable populations.
On Wednesday, April 22, join the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), Feeding America, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), Center for American Progress (CAP), and other national allies and advocates across the country in a National Day of Action urging Congress and the Administration to enact SNAP benefit boosts in the next COVID-19 relief package. Recent reports indicate that the next package would include assistance for businesses and healthcare efforts, but not SNAP — we must insist that individuals and families need immediate relief, too.
The next COVID-19 relief bill must include the following SNAP priorities:
1. boost SNAP maximum benefits by 15 percent;
2. increase the minimum SNAP benefit from $16 to $30; and
3. suspend all SNAP administrative rules that would terminate or cut benefits.
These temporary provisions must continue until the economy improves. The provisions will not only help households put food on the table during this crisis, but will also help to stimulate the economy.
Check out FRAC’s COVID-19 Updates page for more resources on the Day of Action, which will be added leading up to Wednesday.
Get vocal on social: Join FRAC, Feeding America, CBPP, and CAP for a Twitterstorm this Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 p.m. EDT as part of the Day of Action.