This article is part of a series exploring the varied impacts of proposed SNAP cuts. Today’s conversation is with the Mayor of West Sacramento, who shares her perspective on how these changes would affect her city and its residents.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides essential nutrition support and health services for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to 5 years old. WIC currently serves over 6.7 million people who are nutritionally at risk.
Summer EBT, in conjunction with the traditional summer meals programs, provides key nutrition support to children when school is out by providing families with approximately $120 on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card per summer per eligible child to help with food costs during the summer months. Summer EBT is a method proven to decrease food insecurity and improve nutrition. This summer, 38 states and the District of Columbia, five territories, and five Tribal organizations have opted to participate in the program.
These days, it’s a common experience to walk into the grocery store and experience sticker shock. For months, everyone from news outlets to economists has been discussing rising grocery costs. We are all doing what we need in order to make ends meet before getting to the checkout line — from adjusting budgets to foregoing favorite snacks altogether. For some, that means even skipping meals.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is crucial in supporting millions of individuals and families with low incomes across the U.S. Though benefits average only about $6 per person per day, SNAP significantly reduces food insecurity, alleviates poverty, and promotes health and stability. By offering food assistance that can be redeemed for groceries at authorized stores, SNAP not only helps individuals but also injects millions of federal dollars into state economies, supporting local businesses and municipalities.
