The recent budget reconciliation package advanced by the House Budget Committee has sparked significant concern among community support organizations, particularly those focused on hunger relief.
- Feeding the Gulf Coast, which serves vulnerable communities across South Mississippi, South Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle, has raised an alarm about the potential consequences of these proposed cuts.
Understanding the Proposed Cuts
The legislation proposes substantial reductions: approximately $300 billion from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and an estimated $880 billion from Medicaid over the next decade. These programs serve as essential lifelines for millions of Americans, including families, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
- Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that could impact nonprofit organizations, including unprecedented authority to revoke nonprofit status and changes to charitable tax deductions that could hamper fundraising efforts.
Regional Impact on the Gulf Coast
“Along the Gulf Coast, we know how to prepare for a storm,” said Michael Ledger, President & CEO of Feeding the Gulf Coast.
“This legislation has all the ingredients for a crisis: a nearly three-year lapsed Farm Bill, reduced access to nutritious food, and threats to the nonprofits that serve on the front lines.”
The situation is particularly concerning for the Gulf Coast region, where:
- 1 in 6 residents faces food insecurity
- 1 in 5 children experiences hunger
- In half of the counties served, child hunger rates are even higher
The proposed legislation would shift 5% of SNAP benefit costs to state budgets—translating to an estimated $475 million across Gulf Coast states. This places additional strain on states that may already be struggling with their budgets. If states cannot absorb these costs, programs will likely face further reductions.
- Dig Deeper: In June 2024, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 1267, which expands work requirements for SNAP recipients. The law mandates that individuals aged 18–59 without children under 18 in their household must participate in an employment workforce training program for a minimum of 80 hours per month to maintain their benefits. This exceeds the federal minimum requirement, which is 80 hours per month for individuals aged 18–52.
- Dig Even Deeper: Florida, under Gov. DeSantis, has declined to participate in the new federal Summer EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) program for children, also known as “Sun Bucks,” for both 2024 and 2025. This program is designed to provide low-income families with grocery assistance during the summer months when school meals are unavailable, offering $120 per eligible child to help bridge the nutrition gap
Another troubling aspect is that the bill would introduce administrative barriers that could disqualify individuals who are currently working or caring for family members. This is particularly concerning because in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, over 70% of households receiving SNAP include children or elderly individuals.
Broader Implications
The key concerns highlighted by Feeding the Gulf Coast include:
- Substantial cuts to SNAP and Medicaid will increase demand for food assistance while simultaneously reducing available resources
- Changes to the Thrifty Food Plan will gradually decrease SNAP benefits even as food costs remain high
- Proposed federal authority to revoke nonprofit status threatens charitable organizations like Feeding the Gulf Coast, and changes to charitable deduction claims could significantly impact donations
- Rural hospitals and food systems along the Gulf Coast would be disproportionately affected
Current Challenges
Recent data indicates an increase in food insecurity, with more first-time visitors seeking assistance at food banks. Many of these individuals are employed but still struggling to make ends meet. This rising need coincides with reductions in discretionary federal funding sources and potential threats to nutrition programs.
- “Newly released data shows an increase in our neighbors facing hunger. We are seeing more first-time visitors—hardworking people—at a time when discretionary federal funding sources and nutrition programs have been reduced or are coming under threat,” noted Ledger. “In this critical time, we need strong federal support, not cuts.”
Taking Action
Feeding the Gulf Coast is urging Congress to oppose these cuts to food and healthcare programs and to remove provisions that would hinder the charitable sector’s ability to serve communities in need.
Concerned citizens can take action by contacting their elected officials to express opposition to cuts and policy changes that would negatively impact vulnerable populations, including seniors and children. Contact information for elected officials can be found on Feeding the Gulf Coast’s website: https://www.feedingthegulfcoast.org/get-involved/hunger-advocacy
- As communities continue to recover from economic challenges and the lingering effects of the pandemic, maintaining robust safety net programs remains crucial. The proposed budget cuts represent a potential setback for hunger relief efforts at a time when many families are still struggling with food insecurity and rising costs.
