Urgent Warning: How Federal Budget Cuts Threaten Food Security for Struggling Families – Insights from WestfordCAT

The federal government’s latest bill, signed by President Trump on July 4, has sparked concern among advocates for those in need. This legislation includes significant cuts to essential programs like food and health care.

Nonprofits worry they won’t be able to handle the rising demand from people struggling to afford housing, utilities, and groceries. For many, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is crucial. It helps cover grocery costs, allowing parents to provide meals for their children without sacrificing other bills, says Kelly Proulx from the Merrimack Valley Food Bank.

However, these vital funds are under threat. As many as 260 residents in Westford alone could lose some or all of their SNAP benefits due to these cuts. This includes specific groups, such as lawfully present immigrants and individuals facing new work requirements.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for food assistance surged and has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. Proulx noted that the Merrimack Valley Food Bank helps 70,000 people each month through partnerships with local agencies across 36 towns. They focus on providing fresh produce and meat, which can be harder to obtain on a limited budget.

In Westford, about 350 individuals rely on the Westford Food Pantry each month. The pantry receives approximately 61,000 pounds of food annually from the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. “No one should go hungry,” Proulx emphasized.

Advocates are also raising alarms about potential health care losses through MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program, which serves low-income individuals, seniors, and those with disabilities. Cuts could leave over 300,000 residents without coverage by 2034.

Betsey Crimmins of Mass Aging Access stresses the importance of healthcare access and nutritious food for older adults. Many agencies that assist seniors are already straining to meet the needs of an aging population. “It’s a man-made problem,” she said, highlighting that the situation could be avoided.

As of July 2024, more than 1.2 million people reside in nursing facilities, with over 60% dependent on Medicaid, according to KFF, a respected health policy nonprofit. The looming cuts to Medicaid threaten to exacerbate issues in skilled nursing facilities as well.

In response to these challenges, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced an Anti-Hunger Task Force on July 17. This initiative will bring together food banks, nonprofits, farmers, and SNAP recipients to address the federal cuts and find long-term solutions for hunger. Crimmins expressed pride in the collaboration, calling it a way to bring diverse resources together for innovative strategies.

Proulx added, “We’ll explore every option to meet this growing need. Our community will be essential.” The situation is dire, but public efforts like this task force aim to combat the increasing hunger and health challenges facing many residents.

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Anti-Hunger Task Force,Merrimack Valley Food Bank,Westford Food Pantry