New Budget Impact on SNAP Benefits

With the recent passing of the U.S. Senate’s budget, Acord anticipates increased demand, both in visit frequency and unique clients served. Dramatic cuts to food assistance will make hard times, harder for low-income residents of Massachusetts, especially for older adults, disabled individuals, children, and legal immigrants, which comprise a large portion of Acord’s clients. The bill has more than a dozen impacts on SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps), with three of the largest routed in the following:

1. The working requirements to qualify for SNAP are becoming stricter: you must work at least 80 hours/month if you are under age 65 (formerly age 55) or have children over age 6. 

2. Legally-present immigrants are no longer eligible for SNAP, which will impact 25,000 people in MA.  

3. Funding source is shifting from federal to states (formerly 100% paid federally; under the new bill, 5-25% is shifting to states). Massachusetts will need to allocate $185 to $704 million annually just to maintain current benefit levels for its 1.1 million SNAP recipients. Beyond defunding SNAP benefits, other state services could suffer from funds shifting; there will be a ripple effect on multiple levels and that includes food pantries like Acord. 

In the past month alone, we have had 847 client visits to Acord, from unduplicated 343 households 300 of whom were seniors 60+. Acord helps clients make ends meet, along with other tools like SNAP benefits. With competing expenses like rent, medical bills, utilities, and food, benefits like SNAP are a critical piece to many low-income individual’s financial puzzle. 

How can you help?

• Support food pantries, like Acord, by donating so we can continue to purchase nourishing food for our neighbors in need.

• Host a food drive. Rally your friends, neighbors, coworkers, church group, or sports team to collect non-perishable items for Acord. For a list of suggested items, visit our food donation webpage.

• Stay informed and advocate for food access, through organizations like Project Bread.