Congress Cuts SNAP and WIC: Millions at Risk of Hunger
Congress has passed a budget megabill that includes significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). These cuts could have severe consequences for millions of Americans, particularly low-income women, infants, and children.
The changes, set to begin in 2028, will require states to contribute to SNAP's costs for the first time, ranging from 5% to 25%. This could push up to 6 million people off SNAP over the next decade. Additionally, nearly 2 million mothers and children could be turned away from WIC starting next year. These cuts could worsen food insecurity, undermining progress in maternal and infant health, and increasing malnutrition among children. SNAP, which served an average of 41.7 million people per month in 2023, is not just a food-security program; it's also an engine of growth, generating about $1.50 in economic activity for every dollar spent. States with the highest reliance on these programs, such as Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, and West Virginia, will be disproportionately affected. The combined cuts are projected to reduce GDP by more than $150 billion and eliminate 1.2 million jobs within four years. Well-nourished children have healthier brain development, stronger immune systems, and better school performance, making these cuts a concern for the nation's future.
The budget megabill's cuts to SNAP and WIC could have severe and lasting impacts on millions of Americans, particularly children. As states begin contributing to SNAP's costs, it's crucial to monitor the effects on food insecurity and ensure that vulnerable populations continue to receive the support they need.
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