How will it impact you?
“Cuts to SNAP will not just hurt those in deep need, they will also impact hard-working, middle-class families who are already stretched thin trying to make ends meet.” Says Brian Greene, CEO of Houston Food Bank.
SNAP and Medicaid programs primarily help children who’s parents are working but struggling to make ends meet, and seniors access nutritious food and healthcare. The majority of SNAP and Medicaid recipients are working. Those who find it challenging to meet the work requirements are those families who work contract or hourly jobs or have loved ones at home that require a frequent caretaker.
Average hourly wages and the difference from what’s required to afford housing.
It also impacts elderly individuals who are not able to work, have retired, or are not working so they can fill another role such as childcare for their grandchildren.
With federal cuts to these programs, state governments would be required to pay for food benefits and administrative costs. Specifically for Texas, this would result in the Texas state legislature needing to find approximately $1.2 billion to keep the program whole.
Source: Feeding America
“For decades now, SNAP has been the most powerful tool America has to support families facing hunger while also assisting our farmers. SNAP has a greater return on investment than any other – these dollars not only supplement food budgets, but they are also spent and reinvested back into local economies, provide exponentially more meals than a food bank alone, and ensure consistent nutrition to beneficiaries.” says Brian.