Cuts to SNAP = nearly 6
Billion
Meals At Risk
Congress has just voted on legislation that includes dramatic changes to SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare—programs that help families put food on the table and access essential medical care. These changes are a significant setback for people and communities facing hunger
SNAP & Medicaid Cuts Threaten Billions of Meals and Health Care
Because of the assistance I received...I am able to comfortably continue to focus on school more than I have to worry about some financial struggles or food insecurity.- Thomas, Texas
Up to 9 Billion Meals Lost Annually
That’s more than the entire Feeding America network of food banks, meal programs, and church pantries provided last year. Programs like SNAP do more than support families—they make our collective efforts possible.
How Proposed SNAP Cuts Will Impact Families and Seniors Nationwide
Rising Costs, Reduced Access
Lawmakers want states to pay more for SNAP. If your state’s budget runs out, families in your community could lose food assistance. That could mean children go to school hungry, and seniors skip meals to afford rent.
$6.16/Day is Barely Enough
SNAP already gives just $6.16/day for the average person—barely enough for a basic breakfast. With cuts, families often skip buying the fresh, nutritious food they want and we all need to stay healthy.
Red Tape Creates Delays
New rules and more steps would make it harder for eligible people, especially seniors and working parents, to get the help they qualify for. Those delays stretch tight budgets even further.
Food or Medicine
The proposed bill could mean higher out-of-pocket costs and treatment delays. Many seniors and families could be forced to choose between rationing insulin or feeding their loved ones.
See How Cuts Will Impact Your Commmunity
National Food & Health at Risk
The new legislation will disproportionately impact families with children, seniors, people with disabilities, low-income and rural communities.
When one leg is cut, the whole system falls.
SNAP, Medicaid and Medicare work together to support food and health. Cuts to SNAP will tip the balance for people to access healthy food.
Medicaid: Biggest Cut in History
40% of Medicaid recipients get SNAP: The proposed bill could cut $900 billion from Medicaid. These cuts will take food and health care away from families and children.
*Source: Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
Medicare: Seniors & People with Disabilities Hit Hard
The new legislation could take food and health care away from seniors and people with disabilities, forcing them to choose between buying food or medicine.
My husband and I are both college-educated. We’ve worked for many, many years. And we've always helped people. To be on this side of it and struggling, it's not what's supposed to happen.- Heather, Virginia
Myth vs. Fact: The Truth about SNAP and Medicaid
Many people have doubts about federal assistance programs. That’s understandable – there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Here’s what the data and real people tell us:
MYTH: These programs are a waste of taxpayer money.
FACT: SNAP isn’t just good policy – it’s a smart investment. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates up to $1.50 in local economic activity. Those dollars keep grocery stores open, farmers paid, and jobs in our towns.
MYTH: People on SNAP and Medicaid aren't working.
FACT: Most adults receiving SNAP who can work are working. 86% of SNAP households with working-age adults who aren’t disabled earned income in the past year. For many, SNAP is a bridge when wages aren’t enough or during temporary setbacks.
MYTH: Food banks and charities can handle hunger. We don't need government programs like SNAP.
FACT: Food banks, pantries, and meal programs do vital work. Last year, the Feeding America network provided 6 billion meals. SNAP delivered nine times that amount, reaching millions more families. To truly end hunger, we need both local charities and strong federal nutrition programs working together.
MYTH: These programs are full of fraud.
FACT: Fraud is extremely rare – less than 1% of SNAP benefits are misused. Further cuts won’t prevent fraud; they’ll just take food away from those who need it.
Help Food Banks Keep Supporting Families
Support Our Work
Cuts to SNAP make it harder for families to access the food they need. Your gift supports local food banks in the Feeding America network, helping ensure our neighbors have nourishing meals and the dignity of choice—today and every day.