Frankfort, KY — As Republicans move quickly to pass the sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, anti-hunger advocates in Kentucky are sounding the alarm over major cuts to the SNAP program that could jeopardize food access for the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Among those voicing concern is Michael Halligan, CEO of God’s Pantry Food Bank, who said the proposed reforms would threaten the nutritional lifeline for hundreds of thousands of families.
“It’s about providing good nutrition so that people can thrive,” Halligan said.
SNAP Supports Over Half a Million Kentuckians
According to Feeding Kentucky, roughly 600,000 Kentuckians rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to afford basic groceries. On average, recipients receive about $5.50 a day—barely enough for two cans of soup and a bag of grapes, as demonstrated by Halligan.
The new bill, which recently passed the Senate and is now awaiting a House vote, proposes to:
- Expand work requirements to include older adults and parents of older children
- Shift program costs to individual states, adding financial strain
- Use federal savings from SNAP to help pay for new tax cuts
$190 Million Impact on Kentucky Alone
The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy estimates that if the bill passes, the state could face an additional $190 million per year in SNAP-related costs.
“What I worry about is that Kentucky—and every other state—will have to choose between absorbing the cost or reducing benefits,” said Halligan. “Either way, families lose.”
Local food pantries, already stretched thin, could be overwhelmed if SNAP support is reduced.
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Debate Continues in Congress
The bill is currently back in the House of Representatives, facing a vote as early as this week. Republican lawmakers defend the reforms, saying they target waste and abuse:
“The bill ensures SNAP goes to Kentuckians who truly need it,” one GOP representative stated. “It strengthens the program by setting expectations for able-bodied adults without dependents and rewards states that manage it efficiently.”
But for those on the ground, the consequences are real—and deeply human.
Should Congress tighten SNAP rules or focus on protecting food access for all?
Let us know in the comments — your voice matters. Stay updated on news and national policy at ridgecrestpact.org
