House Republicans have passed a controversial bill that proposes nearly $300 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), marking the largest reduction in the program's history.

The legislation introduces an unprecedented cost-shift, requiring states to cover at least 5% of food benefit costs starting in fiscal year 2028, which could lead to billions in cuts nationwide.

The plan aims to reduce SNAP funding by approximately 30%, which is double the size of cuts enacted in 1996, while simultaneously increasing spending for farm programs by slashing food assistance for low-income families.

Changes to SNAP benefits include freezing the Thrifty Food Plan's cost adjustments outside of inflation, complicating paperwork for utility deductions, and eliminating internet costs as a deductible expense.

Under the Republican proposal, the average SNAP benefit would decrease to just $5 per day per person, with additional work requirements imposed on recipients.

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted that over 150,000 kids, seniors, and families in the area depend on SNAP for food security, emphasizing the bill's potential impact.

Schumer criticized the cuts as immoral, arguing they would have immediate negative effects on vulnerable populations and food banks, which are already strained.

Julia Tedesco from Foodlink warned that the proposed SNAP cuts would deprive millions of meals from those in need, stressing the rising rates of food insecurity.

The legislation could increase child poverty and hardship, with an estimated 2 million children facing cuts or terminations in food assistance due to changes in federal funding and state responses.

Additionally, the bill would terminate food assistance for 120,000 to 250,000 lawful immigrants, including around 50,000 children, impacting those fleeing persecution and domestic violence.

CBO estimates suggest that 1.3 million people would lose some SNAP benefits monthly, alongside $700 million in cuts to federal school lunch and breakfast programs affecting 420,000 children.

The expanded work requirements risk further disenfranchising low-income families, as many participants may face barriers to employment and longer job searches in a challenging economic climate.