Community Food Strategies

Day 2 | The Intersection of Food & Policy Series

SNAP is facing a series of federal funding cuts and new eligibility restrictions.
For the first time, North Carolina will be required to budget for a portion of SNAP benefit costs that have historically been covered by the federal government. These aren't one-time expenses. Under H.R. 1, an ongoing share of SNAP benefit costs is shifted to states, creating long-term budget pressures as North Carolina lawmakers continue pursuing tax cuts and limiting future revenue.

That financial responsibility doesn't stop at the state level. North Carolina is passing new SNAP costs on to counties, many of which are warning they cannot sustain the added burden. Some counties are already making difficult budget tradeoffs just to continue administering SNAP.

The question is: Have you talked with your county government about how they plan to prepare for these new, ongoing SNAP costs?

This week, we’re kicking off our Intersection of Food & Policy series, exploring how federal policy decisions shape food access across North Carolina.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at the federal budget reconciliation law, H.R. 1—dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” but widely criticized by advocates as a “Big Ugly Bill” because of the sweeping policy changes that threaten to harm individuals and families nationwide. Throughout this series, we’ll break down what these changes mean and how they will impact North Carolinians.

One major concern is that Chairman Boozman’s Farm Bill draft fails to reverse the unprecedented $187 billion in SNAP cuts enacted under H.R. 1, further deepening the hunger crisis. The proposal also fails to address the harmful cost shifts to states—an issue Senate Agriculture Committee Democrats identified as essential to bipartisan Farm Bill negotiations.

Instead of restoring lost benefits, reversing harmful policy changes, or strengthening the federal commitment to helping families afford food, the draft leaves states, local governments, communities, and families to shoulder an even greater burden during a time of rising costs.

We urge Chairman Boozman and members of the committee to deliver a Farm Bill that strengthens SNAP, reverses these harmful cuts, and addresses the cost shifts to states. Our lawmakers must prioritize building a nation free from hunger—where every individual and every family has access to the food they need to thrive.

Hungry people can’t wait.