SNAP cuts worry locals, food banks

PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The United States House Agriculture Committee in Congress is debating its reconciliation bill, which requires $230 billion in spending cuts. One of those programs that is looking to be cut is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

ValleyCentral spoke to several people who say they do not agree with any cuts, while food banks prepare for potential losses in SNAP funding.

“It is something that a lot of people need just in their everyday lives because this is one of the hardest economic times ever for everybody around here, especially in the Valley," said Leo Enloe.

Enloe says he knows several people who get SNAP benefits and are still struggling to get by. Jade Wahl received assistance in the past and says it's a necessity for some families.

“I was on it as a single mom, but I only got approved for $12 a month, and it was pretty bad and it was hard, so yeah, I think it should never be budgeted and should never be caught ever," Wahl said.

She argues that instead of cutting funding, the government should be looking at ways to stop abuse.

“I don’t think they should be cutting budgeting but doing stricter like looking at people more if they are taking advantage of it, and I think that would be okay because I think there are people that do that, but I don’t think the people that need it should get it cut at all," Wahl said.

The budget proposal would shift up to 25% of the cost of SNAP benefits to states. It would be the first time in the program’s history that the federal government is not covering all the expenses.

Feeding Texas CEO Celia Cole says this will lead to greater hunger and food insecurity.

“All of the consequences that come with that, kids who can't learn, seniors who can't afford medicine, you know, overall, lost economic competitiveness for Texas, and just the loss of potential when kids don't get a good start in life," Cole said.

Last year, people living in the Rio Grande Valley received more than $640 million in SNAP benefits, which provided more than 185 million meals. However, Omar Rodriguez from the food bank says a major problem with the bill is that it does not ensure states pay their part.

“There are no details in the bill as to how states must comply with the cost-sharing and what happens if they don't comply," Rodriguez said. "We don't know if the state would just say, well, we can't cost share because that's too much money.”

Rodriguez says this will have immense economic effects not just for those who received benefits, but rather, all the entire community.

“Farmers get about 15 cents for every dollar a SNAP is spent, and also for every $1 of SNAP spent, that's about $1.54 in economic activity," Rodriguez said. "So that supports nearly 9,000 jobs here in the Valley, and that supports farmers and retailers. SNAP is vital. It's a big part of the safety net. Food banks can't do everything. Shelters can't do everything. Pantries can't do everything, so it's a vital part of the safety net, and without it, people will go hungry."

Cole says they are working with lawmakers like Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, who is in the House Agriculture Committee, to stop the cuts.

“We will do our best to increase fundraising, increase food raising, but it's not a cut that we will be able to make up for, and so people will be forced to make impossible choices about whether to afford rent, whether to afford medicine, and can you continue to afford childcare? Could mean people leaving work to have to stay home and take care of kids," Cole added.

The House Agricultural Committee is scheduled to vote on the proposal on Wednesday.