Federal cuts to SNAP will lead to crises impacting various aspects of patients’ lives.

The recent decision by the House of Representatives to vote on proposed cuts to key health care and food assistance programs has sparked significant concern among advocates for vulnerable populations. These changes could impact millions of Americans, including low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly, exacerbating existing hardships related to access to health care and nutrition.

One poignant example is that of a single mother of twins, one of whom has autism and behavioral challenges. Despite working full time, her erratic schedule often complicates her ability to manage her work commitments alongside her childcare responsibilities. As a result, she qualifies for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), but constant fluctuations in her income require her to repeatedly update her paperwork, a task made more difficult by her demanding schedule. The challenges she faces illustrate the broader implications of policy changes that threaten to diminish safety net programs.

Similar scenarios are evident in other cases, such as a patient enrolled in the Philadelphia Nurse-Family Partnership program, which provides vital support to first-time mothers. This individual relied on Medicaid during her pregnancy for essential care, without which, she may have faced severe health complications and risks to her child’s wellbeing. Access to timely health care and nutrition has proven crucial in these situations, underscoring the importance of maintaining robust support programs.

Data from past years demonstrates the positive impact of SNAP, which has lifted approximately 109,000 children out of poverty in Pennsylvania alone. Research indicates that early access to SNAP correlates with improved birth outcomes and enhances the overall health of participating families. Children in SNAP households are more likely to visit health care providers regularly and perform better in school.

Proposed amendments to SNAP, however, could drastically alter its function and accessibility. For the first time, states would be required to cover a portion of food benefit costs, imposing a financial burden projected to exceed billion for Pennsylvania. Additionally, new, stringent work requirements would demand that parents of children over the age of seven provide proof of employment for continued access to benefits, endangering food security for over 400,000 families.

Moreover, proposed cuts to administrative funding could exacerbate the existing barriers to accessing assistance programs, causing further hardships for those in desperate need of support. As budgetary constraints lead to increased workloads and inadequate staffing at County Assistance Offices, the system risks becoming unmanageable for many individuals and families seeking help.

In light of these proposed changes, it is imperative for Congress to consider the broader consequences of cutting such essential programs. By protecting SNAP and Medicaid, lawmakers have the opportunity to affirm their commitment to ensuring that families do not face hunger or lack access to necessary health care.