America’s food banks are on the brink of a crisis as proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits under President Donald Trump’s administration continue to progress. The coronavirus pandemic has already led to a surge in demand for food assistance, as rising living costs have outpaced wage growth and grocery prices have risen by nearly 28 percent over the past five years, leaving many households struggling to make ends meet. The Atlanta Community Food Bank, for example, has seen a 60 percent increase in the number of people it serves over the past three years, now helping 240,000 households every month.
With SNAP benefits facing various changes, including state-imposed restrictions on what can be purchased with the anti-poverty benefit and looming budget cuts, food banks are likely to face even more challenges in the near future. The current administration’s proposed budget includes significant cuts to SNAP spending, with plans to save money through measures such as expanding work requirements, limiting cost changes to inflation rates, and capping benefits for larger households. As federal budget negotiations continue, the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) has warned that cutting $230 billion from SNAP would result in slashing benefits, restricting eligibility, or a combination of both.
If the budget cuts to SNAP become law, the CBPP estimates that approximately 9 million recipients could lose their benefits, potentially leading many to turn to food banks for support. Feeding America, the nation’s largest food bank network, has expressed concerns about being able to meet the increase in demand resulting from the proposed cuts. Charitable organizations like BetterALife have already seen an uptick in demand for food assistance following previous cuts to SNAP benefits, and anticipate an even greater need if the current proposal is enacted, especially among children who are already at risk of food insecurity.
In addition to the budget cuts, several states are seeking permission to prohibit SNAP recipients from using their benefits to purchase unhealthy foods like soda and candy. While some states are still considering legislation to restrict SNAP food options, others have already requested waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement such restrictions. These changes come at a time when the rising cost of healthy foods has made it difficult for low-income families to afford nutritious options, leading many to rely on cheaper, unhealthy alternatives.
Food banks are already struggling to meet demand following funding cuts mandated by the Trump administration, including a halt in funding for the USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program and cuts to the Local Food Purchase Assistance program. With federal support declining, food banks are increasingly reliant on state funding to support their operations, but many states are also facing federal cuts and are unable to make up the difference. The CEO of Vermont Foodbank has noted the challenges of economic instability and decreasing federal support, highlighting the limitations of charitable food assistance compared to the widespread reach of SNAP benefits.
