“Changes to SNAP are an attack on broad swaths of the American public, including the elderly, women and children, all the vulnerable people that Scripture commands us to aid.” -Rabbi Alana Suskin
SNAP
The federal food assistance program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), has long been a critical support for families. But recent changes and proposed cuts under the budget reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4, 2025, threaten to weaken this lifeline. Here’s what you need to know, and how we can respond with hearts full of compassion and action.
Nationally, SNAP served an average of 41.7 million participants per month in FY 2024; federal spending reached nearly $99.8 billion. In Michigan, as many as 1.4 million residents, roughly 13% of households, depend on SNAP benefits. The new federal legislative proposals, such as the one outlined for the future of SNAP, would cut nearly $300 billion from the program through 2034.
Recent funding delays have already put SNAP benefits at risk. When benefits are delayed, reduced or conditions tightened, families may skip nutritious food or go hungry altogether. Communities, especially rural regions and lower-income urban areas, feel the ripple: less SNAP spending means less support for local food businesses and less economic activity.
Here are concrete steps that you can take:
- Contact your legislators using 5 Calls or mail them a letter to express your concern that budget cuts or stricter work requirements for SNAP will hurt families, children, older adults and the working poor.
- Sign an online petition urging Congress to fund November SNAP benefits here and here.
- Volunteer at or donate to local food banks, farmers-markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs and hunger relief ministries.
- Reach out to neighbors who may be quietly struggling – those who might feel shame or stigma. A simple check-in, a shared meal or a food-box drive can make a difference.
Did you know?
This Halloween, some neighbors are choosing to hand out more than just candy. In response to potential disruptions in SNAP benefits, many are offering shelf-stable foods like granola bars, juice boxes, and instant oatmeal packets alongside traditional treats. These thoughtful gestures provide a practical way to support families who may be facing food insecurity, especially as colder months approach.
For more ideas on how to make your Halloween treats both fun and helpful, check out this article.
You may find the IHM Justice, Peace and Sustainability Office’s web materials useful for your committee work, presentations, mission units, ministry and other educational purposes. Be sure to check out our regularly updated online resources HERE.