FRAC Chat

This article is part of a series examining the sweeping and often overlooked consequences of proposed SNAP cuts. Beyond the headlines, these reductions threaten to destabilize families, shutter small businesses, and strain local governments already operating under tight budgets. In this installment, Gina Plata-Nino, JD, Deputy Director of SNAP at FRAC, interviews Joseph M. Petty, Mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts. Mayor Petty shares how SNAP cuts would hit cities hard—disrupting local economies, increasing demand on overwhelmed food pantries, and undermining the ability of municipalities to meet residents’ basic needs. Their conversation underscores the critical role of SNAP in sustaining resilient, thriving communities.

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.

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.