The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is under direct attack in the latest House GOP budget proposal. Lawmakers are calling for $300 billion in cuts over the next 10 years. If passed, this plan would gut one of the largest food security programs in the country—and leave millions of families scrambling to put food on the table.
What the proposal actually includes
The $300 billion figure comes from several major changes:
- Tighter income and asset eligibility limits
- Expanded work requirements for adults up to age 59
- Capped emergency allotments and state-level flexibilities
- Reduced administrative funding for state SNAP programs
These changes wouldn’t just shrink future growth—they would directly cut current benefits for millions of recipients, including older people, children, and working families.
Who would lose the most
Low-income households in states with high food insecurity rates would be hardest hit. According to recent analysis, rural red states like Mississippi, Kentucky, and West Virginia rely heavily on SNAP—and would see deep losses if the plan becomes law. Urban areas with high poverty rates would also suffer. Many families who barely qualify now could be removed from the program entirely.
Why advocates are sounding the alarm
Anti-hunger groups and policy experts warn that this proposal could reverse years of progress in fighting poverty and childhood hunger. According to Feeding America, 1 in 8 Americans relies on SNAP. Cuts of this scale would force many food banks to fill the gap, even though most are already stretched thin. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says the plan “would do more harm than good,” especially in underserved communities.
What GOP lawmakers say about the cuts
Supporters of the plan argue that reform is necessary to reduce fraud, encourage self-sufficiency, and control long-term spending. They point to record SNAP enrollment during the pandemic and say it’s time to scale the program back. However, critics argue that fraud rates are already historically low and that work requirements often penalize people who are already employed but lack stable schedules or transportation.
What comes next
The budget plan stalled in the House Budget Committee on May 16 after several Republicans voted with Democrats to block it. Still, negotiations are expected to resume after Memorial Day. Lawmakers could try to rework the proposal to win back support, or they could pursue a smaller version of the same cuts.
Bottom line: food assistance is on the line
SNAP has long served as a vital safety net for millions of Americans. While reform debates are nothing new, this $300 billion proposal would reshape the program entirely. If you receive SNAP benefits—or know someone who does—now is the time to stay alert and get involved. The next few months will determine the future of food assistance in the United States.
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