Chew On This
Currently, lawmakers in Washington are debating whether to cut funding or make changes to one of the most successful and impactful federal programs meant to alleviate hunger: the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
SNAP is a lifeline for millions of Americans experiencing food insecurity, helping more than 40 million Americans nationwide put food on the table each month, including more than 700,000 people in Virginia. It provides crucial support, enabling individuals and families with low incomes to afford groceries and maintain a basic level of nutrition.
What Is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, is the most effective anti-hunger program in the United States, serving more than 40 million Americans each month. The program is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture. The program used to be known as food stamps.
SNAP makes a difference in the lives of our neighbors:
“I’m so grateful I now have some help with my monthly grocery bill. My SNAP benefits are helping me keep my head above water.”
-Miriam, Guest (Pictured)
Under threat
Despite being an essential resource for so many, SNAP is increasingly under threat. Proposed legislation and policy changes aim to drastically alter the program, from restricting eligible food purchases to implementing significant benefit cuts and restructuring the program’s funding. These changes, often framed as ways to save taxpayer money, fail to grasp the program’s vital role in alleviating hunger and the complex realities faced by those struggling to make ends meet.
Changes will affect millions
Even minor changes or cuts to SNAP could reduce access to food assistance for millions of Americans. As a result, these changes can also create a surge in demand at regional food banks and pantries, potentially overwhelming their resources and leaving vulnerable individuals and families struggling to access the food they need.
“SNAP provides 10 times what food banks and pantries provide, so a cut of just 10% to that program could double the number of people turning to our network. None of us could absorb that kind of surge on top of what we're already seeing.”
A perfect storm?
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is currently experiencing a historic surge in demand, with guest visits to our network’s pantries and program sites exceeding 170,000 each month, the highest number in our 43-year history.
And we are not alone; across the nation, food insecurity levels are rising because of inflation and the high cost of living. Reducing SNAP benefits will only intensify this problem, pushing more families into deeper levels of hunger and poverty.
Strengthen, not slash
We urge lawmakers to reject these harmful proposals and instead focus on strengthening SNAP. We must ensure that everyone has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive. Cutting SNAP takes away a vital lifeline from those who need it most, pushing them further into the grip of hunger and creating a ripple effect that strains our entire community. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank remains committed to serving our neighbors, but we cannot replace the essential support provided by SNAP. To put that into context, for every meal the charitable food network provides, SNAP provides 9 meals. We need policies that prioritize food security and invest in the well-being of all our neighbors across America.
“We need to make sure our elected officials in Congress have a crystal-clear understanding of the astounding levels of food insecurity in their districts and the critical importance of federal nutrition programs to community organizations.”
Get involved
To help our lawmakers understand how critically important SNAP is in the effort to end hunger, we must raise our voices! When we band together, we have the best chance to succeed.
To learn more about SNAP and how the program works, you can visit this webpage.
To take immediate action and advocate for a stronger SNAP program, visit this webpage.
