Advocacy Update: SNAP in Congress
SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This used to be known as Food Stamps. SNAP helps alleviate hunger by providing funds to purchase food for households with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. For a family of 3, that would be an income of $33,566 per year. SNAP primarily serves working families, seniors, veterans, and children.
Congress is considering changes to some federal programs, including SNAP, as part of the budget reconciliation process and other legislation. This could include shifting more of the costs of SNAP or other food assistance programs to the state. SNAP is the nation’s most impactful anti-hunger program, helping to ensure families can afford the food they need to stay healthy and productive. Significant reductions to this program will have a negative impact on people who are food insecure and increase the strain on charitable organizations.
SNAP is an important part of the safety net that pairs with the charitable food provided by food banks. For every 1 meal provided by the nationwide network of food banks, SNAP provides 9 meals.
The vast majority of the food we distribute is donated or purchased with donated funds. Five percent of The Idaho Foodbank’s revenue is from government funding and 11% of our food comes from government food programs . But we know that changes in government policy and programs can impact the entire landscape of food insecurity in Idaho and not just our specific operations.
If you are interested in contacting your Member of Congress to share your support for the SNAP program, you can find out how to contact their offices here.