The perils of SNAP cuts for Nebraskans
By Angie Lauritsen
On a recent Saturday morning in North Omaha, cars snaked around the block at a drive-thru food pantry hosted by Black Men United. This scene—a stark manifestation of our community's increasing food insecurity—is becoming all too familiar. Some arrived as early as 3 a.m., a full seven hours before the pantry opened to those waiting in line. It represents the growing number of Nebraskans struggling to make ends meet.
As Nebraska’s GOP delegation pushes for cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds in their version of the Farm Bill, the alarm bells are ringing louder across our state. One in seven Nebraskans rely on SNAP, and a staggering one in five children are food insecure. Organizations like Nebraska For Us are raising our voices, highlighting the devastating impact these cuts will have on our most vulnerable populations.
The House Committee on Agriculture's proposal includes a $30 billion reduction in SNAP benefits. Even though his colleagues submitted an amendment to remove those cuts, Congressman Don Bacon voted against that amendment and voted for the final package containing those cuts. His votes reveal a profound disconnect from the daily struggles of many Nebraskans. Contrary to the misconception that SNAP provides substantial financial assistance, the average benefit in Nebraska is around $167 per month. This modest amount is a lifeline for many families, yet it is now under threat.
In a time of persistently high grocery prices, SNAP benefits are all the more important. Each dollar spent through SNAP generates $1.97 in economic return to local communities, according to OpenSky Policy Institute. It underscores the program’s role not just in supporting families, but in bolstering local economies. Cutting these benefits will not only exacerbate food insecurity but also weaken the economic fabric of our communities.
Black Men United, led by Willie Hamilton, sees firsthand the growing need. On the morning of June 22, he and his team distributed hundreds of items to cars that lined 30th Street up around the corner onto Ames, and the need is only going up. This relentless demand underscores the essential role organizations like his play in filling the gaps left by insufficient government support. If SNAP is cut, that will cause the lines to grow even longer at food pantries around the metro.
The implications of the Farm Bill’s proposed cuts are dire. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Nebraska stands to lose $110 million in SNAP funding between 2027 and 2033 if the bill Congressman Bacon voted for in committee becomes law. This reduction is based on outdated assumptions about family food preparation and consumption that are far removed from the realities of modern life. The 2021 adjustment to the Thrifty Food Plan, which SNAP benefits are based on, acknowledged this disconnect and aimed to provide a more realistic estimate of food costs. Reverting to old, unrealistic standards would further strain families already struggling to put food on the table.
Our community leaders, advocates, and organizations like Nebraska For Us are fighting to protect SNAP benefits because we understand their profound impact. For many, these benefits are not a luxury but a necessity, bridging the gap between hunger and health.
Now that the Farm Bill has passed out of committee, it could come to the House floor for a vote at any point. Should that happen, Congressman Don Bacon and his colleagues should change course and vote against it. The stakes are too high to remain silent. We must stand together to ensure that every Nebraskan has access to the basic necessity of food.
