In celebration of Mother’s Day, FRAC is highlighting the important role the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) plays for moms and their families, and ways to support WIC.
On May 2, 2025, the Trump administration unveiled its fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget proposal, signaling a significant shift in federal priorities. While Congress holds the power to make spending decisions, the administration’s proposal outlines substantial cuts to programs that support Americans with low- and moderate- incomes. If implemented, these reductions threaten to exacerbate poverty, increase food insecurity, and dismantle critical tools that help individuals escape poverty.
This article is part of a series examining the wide-reaching — and often overlooked —consequences of proposed SNAP cuts. Gina Plata-Nino, JD, deputy director of SNAP at FRAC, speaks with John Benedict, CEO, farmer, and co-founder of The Local Co-op in rural Arizona. His story offers a powerful example of how local food systems, entrepreneurship, and SNAP work together to support not only food access — but entire communities.