Every day, families across our communities work hard to put food on the table, care for loved ones and build stable futures. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) plays a critical role for many families who are working to bridge the gap during challenging times. &nbsp;
However, the program faces an uncertain future in many states due to H.R. 1, a new law passed by Congress and enacted last summer. States are facing significantly higher costs to operate SNAP and continue providing food assistance to families. Without additional time to prepare, state lawmakers could be forced into difficult tradeoffs—including reducing SNAP access, cutting other essential community services or raising taxes on residents.&nbsp;
Tell Congress: Give states time to strengthen SNAP without disrupting food assistance for families.&nbsp;

Tell Congress: Support families by delaying the SNAP cost shift. 

I urge you to support a two-year delay in the SNAP cost shift to states. 

 

SNAP strengthens communities across the country. It helps families access nutritious food while also supporting local economies, including grocery stores, small businesses, farmers and food producers. These benefits are especially important in rural communities, where local retailers often depend on SNAP-driven spending to sustain operations and employment. 

 

Without additional time to prepare, states may be forced to make difficult and avoidable choices, such as reducing access to SNAP, cutting other essential public services or increasing taxes on residents. These outcomes would place unnecessary strain on families and communities. Food banks are committed to making sure people across the country have access to the nutritious food they need. However, stability for children, seniors, veterans and working families facing hunger can only be ensured when charitable assistance is paired with the efficiency of federal nutrition programs like SNAP. 

 

A two-year delay in implementing the SNAP cost shift would provide all states with the time needed to: 

 

Strengthen program operations and improve accuracy. 

Protect access to food assistance for families, seniors, veterans and children. 

Avoid harmful impacts on local economies and essential services. 

 

When families use SNAP benefits, those dollars have an impact beyond the checkout line; they circulate locally, helping sustain jobs, support local food systems and keep small businesses strong. In fact, every SNAP dollar generates additional economic activity in communities across the country, reinforcing the connection between food access and local economic stability. 

 

I urge you to act now to delay the SNAP cost shift for all states and ensure that families continue to have reliable access to food assistance while states build the capacity needed for long-term program stability.

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