Trump’s Controversial Tax Bill: Cuts to Food Aid Impacting Families, While Industrial Farms Reap Major Subsidies

President Trump’s recent tax bill has stirred up quite a bit of controversy. It significantly boosts subsidies for large commodity farms while slashing food assistance for low-income families. This shift could have mighty consequences for both farmers and those struggling to put food on the table.

The new bill directs an extra $50 billion to big corn, cotton, and soybean growers. It also removes climate spending rules that were part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Meanwhile, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faces cuts that could affect over 22 million households. There are also new work requirements for parents, veterans, and older adults.

Additionally, the legislation increases funding for immigration enforcement by $100 billion. This poses a threat to the labor force that supports U.S. agriculture, creating potential labor shortages when farmers need workers the most.

Mike Lavender, policy director at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, highlights a key point: “It’s sending the message that there’s only one way to support farmers, and it’s through increased commodity subsidies for a select few.”

Why is this important? By prioritizing large farms and cutting aid for local food systems, the new legislation could create wider economic gaps and make it harder for people to access healthy food. This shift risks worsening food insecurity, especially among vulnerable groups. Higher prices could follow, leaving nutritious options out of reach for more families.

A report by the Food Research & Action Center shows that food insecurity in the U.S. affects more than 38 million people, including 12 million children. These numbers underline the dire need for programs like SNAP to remain robust and effective.

There’s also an environmental angle. With more land being diverted to biofuel production, we might see a decline in sustainable farming practices. This can have long-term effects on climate goals and food resilience.

For further insights into how agribusiness lobbying shapes our food system, check out this article from EHN: How agribusiness lobbying boosts corporate control over food and climate policy.

As these changes unfold, communities across the nation will be watching closely.

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climate change, environmental justice, public health