SNAP remains the most effective tool this country has to combat hunger for children and families, adults with disabilities, and veterans. 

If the congressional majority had it their way, nutrition resources and the benefits they provide would be snatched away from the most vulnerable members of our communities. The Republican Study Committee’s proposal calls for 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 take food away from 41 million people per year. How generous is the updated SNAP benefit? This year, it averages only $6.20 per person per day. That’s what they want to slash.

All this is happening while Congress is looking to fast track budget legislation to extend the 2017 tax law that disproportionately benefited the wealthiest taxpayers. House Committee leaders met two weeks ago and 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. 

During the FY2019 budget process, the administration called for a 30% cut―$213 billion―in SNAP benefits over 10 years. The proposal also included cutting SNAP household benefits by 40%, providing families with a government-issued box of non-perishable foods rather than the ability to shop at the grocery store. People stood against the cuts and defeated them―but if Congress rams through a budget package, they have a vehicle to take food off the tables of millions. 

Changes in SNAP proposed by the Republican Study Committee and Project 2025 include:

• Cut future benefits for all SNAP beneficiaries, including 1 in 5 U.S. children
• End assistance for people in households that were able to modestly increase savings or income
• Reduce federal funding and end the guarantee that eligible people can count on federal SNAP help, shifting the cost to cash-strapped states, which will undoubtedly result in wait lists

Presbyterians are invested in serving impoverished and vulnerable communities and have worked tirelessly for decades to implement anti-hunger programs within the denomination. This commitment began over 50 years ago with the creation of the Hunger Program by the General Assembly. Today, the commitment continues as the denomination is dedicated to eradicating systemic poverty. SNAP and anti-hunger programs are the biggest way that the United States provides for citizens that live below, at, or slightly above the poverty line. Therefore, supporting anti-hunger programs and nutrition benefits, including SNAP, is a highly impactful legislative act for Presbyterians to advocate for to demonstrate our continued commitment to eradicating systemic poverty and ensuring all have access to affordable and nutritious food. 

Presbyterians know that sharing nutritious meals—including through SNAP—is not only our most effective federally funded anti-hunger program, it plays a crucial role in reducing poverty and improving health and economic outcomes. It’s also linked to better education outcomes and self-sufficiency and plays an important role in supporting rural communities. Cuts to SNAP impact all human needs programs. 

Congress must strengthen, not cut SNAP for millions of families who rely on it. 

Write to your policymakers today to protect SNAP and support all who rely on the program, including children.