Today, the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) issued a statement following last week’s House Agriculture Committee vote to pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, introduced by Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA). The proposed legislation includes a $30 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over 10 years, significantly affecting food security for people with low income.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, these cuts would result in a nearly $1.1 billion reduction in SNAP benefits for Georgia alone over the next decade, with severe consequences for many Congressional districts:
- In Congressional District 2, about 100,500 households would lose $139 million in SNAP benefits.
- In District 8, around 70,000 households would lose $97 million in SNAP benefits.
- In District 13, nearly 67,000 households would lose $95 million in SNAP benefits.
The bill proposes changes to SNAP’s Thrifty Food Plan, the basis of SNAP benefits, preventing adjustments in line with the latest scientific and dietary guidelines necessary for maintaining a healthy diet.
Statement by Ife Finch Floyd, Director of Economic Justice, GBPI:
“This legislation would reverse improvements made to SNAP’s Thrifty Food Plan that help families and individuals better afford the growing cost of food. While the entire state would feel the impact of these massive cuts, southwest Georgia, which has the highest population of households receiving SNAP, would be hardest hit.
“Federal legislators must take immediate steps to advocate for a Farm Bill that protects and strengthens the SNAP program, ensuring that it continues to support the nutritional needs of Georgia’s families.”
