Protect SNAP from harmful cuts
The House and Senate have both passed the budget resolution for 2026 appropriations. Now through May 8th, the House Committee on Agriculture will review its programs to meet the proposed spending levels. Through a process known as reconciliation, the committee will look at potential “savings” in its programs, including SNAP. While the budget resolution does not explicitly mention cuts to SNAP, it is difficult to imagine how the committee would reach the proposed spending levels without cuts to this critical safety net.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a 100% federally-funded program – this means that States do not cover any costs for benefits. As Congress works through the budget process, SNAP is facing potential cuts, putting at risk the 912,409 people in Arizona who receive SNAP.
The largest recipients of SNAP are children, working families, seniors and disabled adults. While food banks are an amazing resource that can supplement meals, for every meal a pantry provides, SNAP offers nine.
We urge you to continue to email and call your representatives to protect SNAP and ensure it is fully funded in the 2026 Budget Appropriations.
What can you do?
We are asking you to contact your Congressional representatives to advocate for the full funding of federal nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC, and TEFAP.
If this is your first time contacting your representative, don’t worry – it’s pretty easy!
1) Find Your House Representative
2) Send an Email: Both Feeding America and the Food Research and Action Center have easy ways to contact your representatives with one click!
3) Make a Call: visit FRAC’s page for a sample script
4) Need to find your rep’s number? Find My Senator
Why does SNAP matter?
Health benefits: SNAP improves overall health outcomes, reduces health care costs, and supports the well-being of children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities.
Economic impact: Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates up to $1.80 in economic activity during an economic downturn, helping businesses, especially food retailers, stay afloat.
Long-term benefits: Early access to SNAP improves educational and economic outcomes, breaking the cycle of poverty.
The Impact of Cuts:
- Households with children removed from the program would lose direct certification for free school meals.
- Reducing SNAP benefits would increase food insecurity and shift the burden to local governments, charities, and cities – who cannot fill the gap.
- It would also harm local economies, particularly in rural and low-income areas, by reducing sales in food and other retail sectors.
