The draft Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (House Farm Bill) released on Friday by House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson (R-PA) would slash future benefit adjustments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by nearly $30 billion over the next decade. These cuts would drastically reduce vital food assistance for millions of Americans, including many in our local community who rely on SNAP to put food on the table.

SNAP is a critical lifeline for more than 41.4 million people across the country. The proposed cuts target future adjustments to the Thrifty Food Plan, which determines SNAP benefit levels. The Thrifty Food Plan determines the lowest cost of a diet that can support a family, meaning that any cut to Thrifty is a cut to the minimum. Reducing these adjustments will diminish the purchasing power of SNAP recipients, exacerbating food insecurity at a time when many are already struggling due to rising food costs and stagnant wages.

Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study highlights the alarming rise in food insecurity across North Carolina. The study reveals that in 2022, 14% of individuals in North Carolina faced food insecurity, with even higher rates among children (19.6%), Black persons (26%) and Hispanic persons (22%). These disparities underscore the systemic barriers and inequalities that contribute to hunger, which SNAP aims to address.

The Food Shuttle acknowledges the humanitarian and economic benefits of SNAP, which correlate with fewer emergency room visits, and in turn lead to decreased costs for federal programs such as Medicaid. Food security supported by SNAP also leads to better educational outcomes for children, which leads to an increase in tax revenue later down the line. Through investing in SNAP, there is always an avenue for cost benefit.

The proposal also suggests privatizing the administration of SNAP, a move that has historically led to administrative challenges and benefit losses for SNAP recipients. Effective administration requires robust support and adequate staffing, not cost-saving measures that compromise service delivery.

The 2024 Farm Bill is an opportunity for Congress to demonstrate a commitment to reducing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable populations. The Food Shuttle calls on legislators to reject the proposed cuts and instead focus on expanding and enhancing SNAP benefits. This is not only a moral obligation but also an economic necessity, ensuring all Americans have access to the nutrition they need to thrive. By investing in SNAP, we invest in the health and future of our communities.

Bill:

https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/discussion_draft_ffns.pdf

Summary:

https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/detailed_summary_final.pdf