SNAP Cuts: A Recipe for Disaster

SNAP, or food stamps, is a lifeline for over 42 million people in the U.S.

• Not as easy as walking into a church food pantry
• Must apply, meet income rules
• Politicians can disrupt the system

Government Shutdown Chaos

• Longest U.S. government shutdown caused confusion about food aid
• Government and courts argued over backup funds
• Not about lack of money, but political choices
• Judge ruled government had enough funds to feed families until November

Myth of Local Food Banks Filling the Gap

• Unrealistic to expect local food banks to fill the gap
• Churches and food banks do great work but can't suddenly feed millions more
• Like asking a small bakery to feed a whole city overnight

The Big Beautiful Bill

• New rules will kick about 3 million people off SNAP
• Includes refugees who fled dangerous situations
• Cuts hurt the most vulnerable:
• Families with kids
• People who have already been through a lot
• Not about saving money, but causing harm

SNAP's Importance

• Helps people start over in the U.S.
• Provides stability while looking for jobs
• Food is about more than survival:
• Dignity
• Ability to thrive
• Cutting SNAP will have big consequences:
• Affecting local economies
• Future generations

The Dangerous Idea of Churches Filling the Gap

• Churches work hard but can't replace a $186 billion program
• Calling these cuts "big and beautiful" is:
• Wrong
• Cruel

The Truth

• U.S. has enough resources to ensure no one goes hungry
• Needs:
• Compassion
• Political will to do what's right