SNAP cuts could impact thousands of low-income families
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)-- Cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could take effect as early as Sept. 30, raising concerns among local food banks about rising food insecurity in vulnerable communities.
The cuts come as part of the recently passed "Big Beautiful Bill," which includes a provision slashing approximately $230 billion from SNAP funding over the next 10 years.
April Dominguez, Social service site manage for El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, said the cuts will disproportionately affect low-income families, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
“The SNAP program, formerly known as food stamps helps people buy food,” Dominguez said. “It’s going to affect a lot of people who rely on that support just to meet basic needs.”
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger assists community members with the SNAP application process, often working one-on-one to ensure documents are completed correctly. They also provide home visits, which Dominguez says are critical for homebound individuals and seniors without transportation.
“Now with the cuts, we might not be able to do as many home visits,” she said. “That’s going to hit people with disabilities and our seniors especially hard.”
Previously, waivers exempted some groups including veterans, the homeless, and people with disabilities from SNAP work requirements. Those waivers are now being eliminated under the new legislation.
As a result of the funding reductions, Dominguez said her organization is being forced to cut its staff in half. The current team supports roughly 230 households per month, reaching around 500 individuals.
“With our staff reduced to just three and a half positions, we’re going to do everything we can, but we know it will be challenging,” she said.
Experts warn that the most severe impacts will be felt by children, seniors, and people with disabilities — groups already at higher risk of food insecurity.
“If we have people coming to the food bank and we’re also facing cuts ourselves, it’s scary to think about how we’ll continue assisting the community,” Dominguez said.
