In mid-February, Congressional House Budget Committee Republicans are looking to push forward their budget resolution, which includes a minimum of $1.5 trillion in spending cuts towards social programs like Medicaid and SNAP. The Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid, has been instructed to cut at least $880 billion over the next nine years. The U.S. The Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for SNAP and other major food programs, is expected to cut at least $230 billion. The reason behind such a cut is to lower the nation’s debt of $36 trillion, but it should not come at the expense of millions of Americans who rely on these safety-net programs to survive.
SNAP is one of the most effective programs at combating hunger and reducing poverty. A 2021 analysis found that SNAP prevented nearly 8 million people, with 3.6 million of them being children, from falling below poverty levels prior to the pandemic. Notably, states like New York have higher cost for food, so the influence of SNAP is even greater. According to a new poll from No Kid Hungry New York, 53% of New Yorkers have taken on more debt just to buy food, and these economic struggles around food insecurity are also impacting their well being, with 63% of New Yorkers reporting negative impacts on their mental health and 52% on physical health. This is partly brought about by the stress and the lack of nutritious food. Nearly 46% of participants indicate that with an extra $80 in food budget, they would spend more on protein foods like meat, fish, and eggs, while 44% would spend more on fruits and vegetables. This would also benefit local businesses, with 74% of participants indicating that they would buy from local grocery stores if they had more program funds. However, the reduction in SNAP benefits would restrict eligibility and eliminate the 2021 update to the Thrifty Food Plan, a plan that increases SNAP benefits based on inflation and updates to nutritional guidance. A moderately priced meal in New York would cost 77% more than SNAP benefits cover without the Thrifty Food Plan.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is looking to cut over $1 billion in funding for the Local Food for Schools (LFS) program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program. Doing so would place millions of New York students, low-income families, and farmers in jeopardy. The USDA claims that these programs “no longer effectuate the goals of the agency.” But what could be more aligned with the USDA’s mission than feeding children and supporting local farmers? It’s clear that both programs play an integral role: The LFS program, which provided $660 million annually, allowed schools to buy fresh, locally sourced food for student meals while the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program would have funded $500 million this year into food banks to ensure low-income families had access to fresh, high-quality ingredients. However, now we don’t have either. By terminating these programs, the USDA is forcing schools and food banks to stretch their already-limited resources.
Another major program being threatened is Medicaid, which provides healthcare to over four million New Yorkers. The proposal to cut federal Medicaid funding by $2.3 trillion over the next decade would be devastating for hospitals, healthcare providers and patients. Since more than 56% of Medicaid financing in NYC comes from the federal government, federal reductions in funding will result in higher eligibility standards, reduced covered services and increased out-of-pocket cost. There are also many long-term consequences. For example, rates of chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and heart disease would rise, resulting in higher hospitalization rates and preventable deaths. The city’s mental health crisis would also be worsened since Medicaid funds most of the mental health care that is received by low-income and homeless people. Reducing these services could lead to New York City facing increased homelessness, and incarceration rates. Additionally, there are millions of healthcare jobs that are supported by Medicaid so the reduction will lead to massive job losses.
The budget cuts to these social programs are a serious threat to millions of Americans who depend on them. Congress must find a more balanced approach that’s responsible and doesn’t destroy the programs that millions of Americans rely on to survive.
This genuinely made me tear up because why we would we ever cut SNAP and Medicaid. So many people I KNOW uses these
Exactly. People act like it’s just numbers, but these are life-or-death programs for millions. Glad this piece laid it out clearly.
Honestly, that part about the USDA saying the programs “no longer effectuate the goals of the agency” really pissed me off. Feeding kids should be the main goal. Great job calling that out.
The stats about New Yorkers going into debt just to eat are terrifying and I wish more people understood how expensive it is just to exist here!!!!!
People think these programs are just there for fun, but they literally keep people alive
Wait, the USDA is cutting both the food bank support and the school meal funding?????? This literally means kids and low-income families are always the first to get screwed over
SNAP helps local businesses too. It’s not just about charity but about helping US STAY ALIVE THANK YOU FOR MENTIONING US TOO.
The part about mental health hit me. Medicaid is the only reason my cousin gets therapy. If that’s gone, I don’t even know what will happen to him.
Same here my sister relies on it for medication and I’m terrified to even think about what might happen to her
That stat about New Yorkers taking on more debt just to eat is crazy and horrifying.
Why is this not being talked about more???
Seriously! I had no idea. I always thought of food insecurity as something that only affects a small percentage, but clearly it’s a huge issue
I used to think food programs were mismanaged, but clearly they’re actually efficient and essential. Appreciate the research
Thank you!
Cutting food and healthcare for the poor is not a solution. There are other things that be go first but not this…
I still don’t get how the USDA can claim those food programs “no longer effectuate the agency’s goals.” Feeding kids isn’t a goal anymore??
Right?? That line infuriated me
Really well written, but I wish there was more about what people can do. Contact Congress? Protest? Vote differently?
I think writing the article is doing something because it lets people know what they should be doing and what to avoid next time
I get that the debt is a problem, but how is making it harder for people to eat and get healthcare going to help the country in the long run? Seems like it would just cause bigger issues down the line.
my thought exactly. debt is bad but harming millions of citizens of your country is even worse
It’s depressing to think that programs like the Local Food for Schools program are being cut too like why would we even think of doing that???
Right it’s a domino effect bc it not only does it hurt kids and families, but it also hurts farmers and local businesses.
They want to cut our debt but this is not the way to go if it’s going to harm us by taking away programs that people NEED to rely on to SURVIVE
The fact that a moderately priced meal costs 77% more than what SNAP covers without the Thrifty Food Plan is absolutely crazy what the heck
I don’t live in NYC and reading this is mind blowing. Stay safe and healthy everyone….
This honestly makes me feel sick. Cutting SNAP and Medicaid during a time when so many people are already struggling is cruel
Exactly and the part about 53% of New Yorkers going into debt just to buy food is horrifying. Like how can anyone think it’s okay to make it worse?
Medicaid cuts are going to destroy the healthcare system for low-income people especially with all these stories about how expensive going to the doctor or hospital is
My entire family including myself are using Medicaid and without it, I don’t think we would be able to even afford to go to the doctors
mine too and we also use a lot of other social programs so I’m terrified to even think of what will happen if they all got canceled
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