As Congress considers budget reconciliation legislation this week, Feeding Wisconsin urges lawmakers to reject proposals that would reduce funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). When these programs are strong, they help families in Wisconsin get the resources they need – cuts would mean individuals will face even more challenges to put food on the table.
“Grocery prices are already out of reach for too many of our neighbors facing hunger,” said Jackie Anderson, Feeding Wisconsin Executive Director. “With the sustained high cost of food and health care, this is not the time to scale back essential programs that help families stay afloat. Families, seniors, veterans, and children in our community work hard every day to build better lives – but they need a strong foundation to succeed.”
With nearly 50 million Americans facing food insecurity—the highest level in over a decade – we need strong federal programs, the charitable food system, and community partners working together to solve the hunger crisis.
“We’re seeing record demand at food pantries across the state, and any reduction in SNAP would only deepen that strain.” Lee Kroll, Executive Director at St Croix Valley Food Bank.
The legislation also proposes shifting SNAP costs to states, a move that would force state governments to reduce benefits or limit eligibility – the opposite of what our neighbors facing hunger need to thrive. In Wisconsin, that would be an estimated $138M our state will be responsible for covering.
“We stand with our neighbors across Wisconsin in calling on policymakers to protect SNAP and ensure no family has to choose between groceries and other basic needs.” Patti Habeck, President and CEO at Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.
Instead of weakening SNAP, Congress should protect this foundational program and oppose budget cuts to SNAP in budget reconciliation legislation.
“Any cut to SNAP is a cut to the stability of Wisconsin families already struggling to make ends meet.” Michelle Orge, President/Executive Director at Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin.
Just as we all want for our own families, our neighbors facing hunger want access to fresh, nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive. We stand with the nearly 618,000 Wisconsin community members facing food insecurity and are ready to work with leaders at every level to advance policies that ensure everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.
