Rising Food Insecurity: How Trump’s Latest Bill Affects Your Community

On July 4, President Trump signed a new domestic policy bill that impacts many vulnerable Americans. This law cuts funding for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Experts worry these cuts will increase food insecurity, particularly among low-income families and seniors. In Maryland, food insecurity jumped from 9.7% in 2021 to 13.3% in 2023.

Heather Bruskin, who leads the Montgomery County Office of Food Systems Resilience, shared that about 300,000 residents live below what’s considered the self-sufficiency standard. This means they struggle to make ends meet.

The new law slashes SNAP benefits by $1 trillion over the next ten years and raises work requirements for SNAP recipients. Now, able-bodied individuals must work at least 80 hours a month until they turn 64. Previously, the requirement ended at 54 years, and parents were exempt if their children were under 14. Now, parents with children aged 14 to 17 must also work to qualify for benefits.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore called the legislation a “heartless assault” on the American people, stating it will harm around 684,000 residents who rely on food assistance. He expressed concern that the law makes basic necessities less affordable.

Radha Muthiah, President of the Capital Area Food Bank, echoed these worries. According to initial estimates, nearly 50,000 families could lose about $171 per month in assistance, which equates to missing roughly 40 meals. While the food bank plans to boost its distribution efforts, Muthiah emphasized that community support will be crucial to fill the gap.

Representative Jamie Raskin criticized the bill, stating it prioritizes tax breaks for the wealthy over support for families in need. He noted that the average SNAP benefit in Maryland is $184 per month, which is clearly not enough for families to thrive.

State and local agencies are still assessing the bill’s impact. Bruskin indicated that the county is financially committed to supporting food access but needs federal guidance to navigate the upcoming changes.

One specific worry is how the federal government will calculate SNAP benefits in the future. The new law reduces allowable deductions for costs like heating, which could result in lower benefits for families. This could intensify food insecurity, as benefits may not keep pace with actual living costs.

Moreover, the law shifts SNAP’s administrative costs from a 50-50 split to a 75-25 split, placing more financial strain on state budgets and potentially affecting local nonprofits that help deliver these services.

The elimination of the SNAP Ed program by October 1 is another troubling change. This program educated students on nutrition and healthy eating, thereby shaping the habits of future generations. Losing this resource could have a lasting impact on community health.

Bruskin pointed out that cuts to SNAP also harm local economies. SNAP dollars provide a significant boost to grocery stores, totaling about $12 million spent each month in Montgomery County. Reductions in these benefits could hurt farmers’ markets that accept SNAP dollars.

While the White House asserts the changes will strengthen SNAP by reducing waste and fraud, many community leaders and experts remain skeptical. They emphasize that these cuts undermine support for those truly in need.

“There’s a lot of concern in our community about what’s coming next,” Bruskin noted. “Our goal is to stay informed and support residents effectively during this time of uncertainty.”

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