Washington, D.C. – In a narrow 51-49 vote, the U.S. Senate passed a massive spending package Saturday night, moving it one step closer to reaching the president’s desk.
Among the provisions in the bill is a proposal to slash funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which food insecurity experts warn could leave thousands of families struggling to make ends meet.
The Impact of SNAP Cuts
Jessica Clark, a former SNAP recipient, shared her concerns about the proposed cuts, noting how crucial the program was during a time of personal crisis. “It was huge, it was life-changing because I could keep my car to go to work,” Clark said, reflecting on the $200 a month she received.
Though she no longer depends on the program, she fears that the cuts would have devastating consequences for families who do.
“I think families will be devastated, and I think they’ll have to choose between making electricity or gas payments, or feeding their kids,” Clark added, expressing her anxiety over the increased financial burden this could place on vulnerable families.
The Scope of the Cuts
According to the San Diego Hunger Coalition, as of April this year, more than 400,000 San Diegans were participating in SNAP, or CalFresh, as the program is known in California.
The proposed cuts could force the state to remove 67,000 recipients from the program, increasing the meal gap that cannot be filled by charitable food programs alone.
Carissa Casares, with Feeding San Diego, shared similar concerns, emphasizing that the potential cuts would harm a wide range of people, from children to seniors and military families. “There is no one exempt from it,” Casares said.
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Wider Community Impact
The potential cuts have also sparked concern among educators. Natalie Barreda, a local teacher, expressed her worries about students and families who rely on the program to provide food for their households.
“It’s literally taking resources from a community that’s already in a really rough spot,” Barreda said, underscoring the dire consequences of defunding such vital programs.
The Path Forward
As the package heads to the House, there is uncertainty about whether it will pass before the July 4th deadline.
Advocates are calling for further action to protect SNAP funding, stressing the importance of maintaining the program to support vulnerable families across the country.
What do you think about the proposed cuts to SNAP? How would this affect families in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For more updates on food security and social programs, visit ridgecrestpact.org.
