By Blake Jackson
New York food banks are warning that proposed federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could worsen hunger and hurt vulnerable communities. The concern follows the House of Representatives' narrow approval of a policy bill that includes major reductions to SNAP and Medicaid.
The House GOP-backed bill would slash SNAP funding by about 30%, totalling $267 billion over ten years. The plan shifts more responsibility to states and introduces stricter work requirements.
Supporters say the changes target waste and abuse. However, opponents argue they will push more Americans into poverty and food insecurity.
Tom Nardacci, Chief Financial Officer of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, spoke at a recent press conference in Rensselaer. “If SNAP goes away, the lines would stretch through the city of Rensselaer," he said. "And we’re doing it to children, to seniors.”
Nardacci added that recent federal food aid cuts already led to a loss of a million pounds of food—equal to 750,000 meals. He warned the total cuts may reach 7 million pounds, compounding the problem every year.
Food banks have seen demand grow significantly over the past few years. About 70,000 people in New York's North Country currently rely on SNAP benefits, which is around 10% of the region’s population.
Natasha Pernicka, Executive Director of The Food Pantries for the Capital District, stressed that SNAP helps more than families—it strengthens local economies. She explained that for every dollar spent on SNAP, the economic return is over $1.50.
Though the House passed the bill, it now faces a Senate debate. Opposition from Democrats and some Republicans could block or revise it. President Donald Trump has urged the Senate to pass it swiftly.
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Categories: New York, Business