A statement from Health Leads, Health Equity Community Collaborative, HealthBegins, National Association of Community Health Workers, School-Based Health Alliance, First Focus on Children, and VitalCxNs
The withholding of contingency funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) starting November 1st will have devastating impacts on the more than 40 million Americans who depend on it. The defunding of this vital program, alongside the recent changes to eligibility requirements, will not only increase hunger but also create an overwhelming ripple effect across communities nationwide, increasing strain on food banks and community pantries already struggling to keep up with record demand and rising food costs.
The impact will be felt most acutely by children and youth. When families lose access to consistent nutrition, students come to school hungry — affecting their focus, attendance, and overall health. For many, the local school or school-based health center is the first place these needs are recognized and addressed, underscoring the importance of strong community partnerships across education, health, and social services.
SNAP benefits also generate $1.50 in economic activity for every dollar spent. Not releasing these benefits directly impacts local grocery stores and community economies, annually calculated at 388,000 jobs, $20 billion in wages and over $4.5 billion in state and federal tax revenue.
Like so many of the critical supports currently under threat, SNAP is one of many valued and important programs that will change shape in the coming years. To weather these changes, we must be both creative and collaborative around how we fill gaps left by the decisions of this administration. Some actions to encourage your communities to take:
Continue to enroll in SNAP and other benefits - While communities may be discouraged by this news, we need to continue to demonstrate demand for these services. Ensure people continue to enroll and re-enroll for all benefits at the state level. Join the Medicaid Food Security Network, a national network of healthcare and food security stakeholders who are mobilizing Medicaid systems to address food and nutrition security of children and families, with an emphasis on closing the enrollment gap in SNAP and WIC.
Mobilize local coalitions and community-based organizations — including schools and school-based health centers — to influence state spending and local policy decisions - These trusted community institutions, along with community health workers, often see the direct impact of food insecurity and can help ensure that food access remains a top priority in local planning. The Health Equity Policy Hub's Mobilization Network connects health professionals and community organizers monthly to generate ideas for local action on issues that impact health equity.
Fund and expand local food efforts - While food banks and community pantries will be hardest hit, other community-focused initiatives, especially those that are locally run and include community health workers, will be critical. These efforts ensure food distribution is culturally relevant, community-driven and reaches those most in need. In addition to direct funding, consider ways to indirectly support them through policy advocacy, offering in-kind resources (staff time, vehicles, space), or supporting funding efforts.
Resist and rebuild — in community - No one organization can withstand the massive changes to our most critical systems alone. Join national collaborative advocacy efforts and spaces for healing and belonging like the Health Equity Community Collaborative. Joining forces enables us to share approaches and resources across geographies, strengthen collective advocacy, and rebuild systems that center community well-being. In schools, community clinics, and SBHCs, providers are already finding creative ways to connect students and families to nutrition supports.
As federal leaders continue to cut proven benefits and services, we will be increasingly challenged to work together in new ways to preserve our collective health, well being and dignity. Let us know what you’re doing to support your community and what resources, programs and connections you need.
Thank you for everything you do, for caring for your communities, and for your determination and resilience in the face of major changes to our systems.
