Published May 19, 2025

Local leaders from across the country — including Ohio, Massachusetts, California, and Texas — are sounding the alarm about the dire consequences of proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These mayors, city councilmembers, and municipal officials stress that SNAP is not just a safety net for vulnerable residents — it’s a critical economic driver and stabilizing force for entire communities. 

In Cincinnati, Ohio, Councilmember Anna Albi expressed urgent concern. “I’m deeply worried,” she said. “Roughly one in five adults — and far more children — face food insecurity. In some neighborhoods, that number hits 60 percent.” Albi warned that without SNAP, families will be forced to make impossible choices between rent, food, utilities, and child care. “Hungry kids can’t learn. SNAP is what helps them grow and thrive.” 

Beyond individual households, Albi said SNAP cuts would ripple through neighborhoods, increasing food insecurity, destabilizing housing, and overwhelming public services. “We’re trying to stabilize families and communities. SNAP helps us do that. Cuts would unravel that progress.” 

In Worcester, Massachusetts, Mayor Joseph Petty underscored SNAP’s role in meeting basic needs amid rising costs. “Many of my constituents work hard to make ends meet, but the high cost of living, job loss, or caring for an ill family member can make it difficult to afford food,” Petty said. “For those facing hardship, SNAP provides essential support.” 

Petty pointed out that SNAP infuses nearly $100 million into Worcester’s economy each year, supporting over 190 grocery stores, many of which operate on tight margins. When emergency SNAP allotments ended in March 2023, the city lost more than $5 million per month in federal support. Food pantries have been overwhelmed, and they can only cover a fraction of what SNAP provides. “For every meal offered by food banks, SNAP delivers nine,” Petty added. “Food banks alone cannot fill the gap.” 

In West Sacramento, California, Mayor Martha Guerrero echoed similar concerns. Her city, a hub for food producers and urban farms, depends on SNAP to support household food budgets — budgets that in turn sustain local businesses. “This is not just a human issue — it’s an economic one,” Guerrero stated. “When SNAP is cut, that support disappears from family tables and storefronts alike.” 

Guerrero warned that without federal investment, cities already operating on lean budgets will face unmanageable demand for emergency services — without adequate funding to respond. “Programs like SNAP and Medicaid fill vital gaps. When they’re cut, cities are left scrambling.” 

Texas City Controller Chris Hollins, speaking in a webinar hosted by the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), outlined the municipal consequences of SNAP cuts with stark clarity: 

  • Increased demand for city services: As families lose food access, cities must meet growing needs for emergency health care, housing, and crisis intervention. 
  • Revenue losses: Decreased consumer spending hits small businesses, reducing city sales and property tax collections. 
  • Reduced service capacity: Lower revenues and higher demand threaten cities’ ability to deliver essential functions like public safety and infrastructure. 

“SNAP isn’t just a line item — it’s a lifeline,” Hollins said. “These cuts would push more families into crisis, and cities will be left picking up the pieces.” 

Take Action Now:  

On Sunday evening, the House Budget Committee narrowly advanced a budget reconciliation measure that includes an estimated $300 billion cut to SNAP. The vote was 17–16, with all Democrats opposed and four Republicans voting “present.” 

As local governments brace for life without American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the stakes for federal investments like SNAP are even higher. These leaders agree: SNAP isn’t optional — it’s foundational. What might seem like a line item on a spreadsheet becomes hunger, hardship, and instability in real life. Congress must recognize the full weight of these decisions and protect the programs that keep America’s cities — and families — afloat. 

Visit FRAC’s Legislative Action Center for advocacy resources to oppose the proposed draconian cuts to SNAP, including sending a message directly to your Members of Congress via FRAC’s Action Network, and FRAC’s state-by-state SNAP participation fact sheets, budget reconciliation leave-behind, and quotes from SNAP participants on why SNAP matters. Be sure to use FRAC’s digital toolkit to get loud on social media.