Trump Administration Halts US Food Insecurity Report Amid SNAP Cuts: What It Means for Families – Latest Ukraine News | #Mezha

In a notable move, the Trump administration decided to end the annual federal report on food insecurity in the U.S. They labeled the report as “redundant, costly, and politicized,” arguing that excessive research can spread unnecessary fear.

“For thirty years this study, launched by the Clinton administration to boost SNAP participation, has only reinforced subjective liberal narratives,” said the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). They pointed out that food insecurity trends have barely changed, while SNAP spending surged by over 87% from 2019 to 2023.

This decision coincides with a broader domestic policy shift, which aims to make significant cuts to the SNAP program. The USDA plans to release a final hunger report in October 2024, but many experts remain concerned.

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), an estimated 2.4 million fewer Americans may receive monthly SNAP benefits due to new work requirements for participants, including parents and seniors. The USDA reported that in May 2023, nearly 42 million people were on food stamps, with an average monthly benefit of just over $188 per person. Alarmingly, about 13.5% of households experienced food insecurity in 2023, an increase from 12.8% in 2022.

Past initiatives show that stronger federal support can significantly reduce hunger. For instance, the expanded Child Tax Credit in 2021 helped decrease food insecurity among families with children. But hunger surged again when the credit ended. Despite this, the USDA now claims that current methods of measuring food security don’t provide an accurate picture.

The administration has also cast doubt on the accuracy of employment data, even dismissing the official responsible for it, leading to conflicting views from former Department of Labor officials of different political backgrounds.

Nonprofits advocating for low-income families are deeply worried about the administration’s recent actions. Eric Mitchell, president of the Alliance to End Hunger, stated, “The elimination of the USDA survey sends a signal that tracking and fighting hunger is no longer a priority. Given rising food prices and cuts to SNAP, this move is a setback for those aiming to improve the lives of their neighbors facing food insecurity.”

This entire situation highlights how politicized hunger data can be and how food assistance policies frequently shift. Looking ahead, discussions on food security might shift toward new ways of assessing community needs and evaluating the impact of social programs.

As hunger policies evolve, keeping track of food insecurity’s trends remains essential, especially now when more Americans face increased food prices. Organizations like the USDA and the Alliance to End Hunger emphasize the importance of data in creating effective policies to support those in need.

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