As President Trump prepares to deliver the State of the Union address on , a stark reality faces millions of American families: one in seven households are struggling to afford enough food. This translates to approximately 47.9 million people, including 14.1 million children, experiencing food insecurity – a situation where consistent access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources. The issue is not merely abstract. it’s a daily struggle exacerbated by rising food costs.
The President’s address presents an opportunity to address this critical issue, and advocates are urging him to prioritize the elimination of food insecurity as a national priority. A key step, they argue, is reversing the cuts made to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the 2025 federal reconciliation law (H.R. 1).
SNAP, our nation’s largest anti-hunger program, has historically been a partnership between the federal government and states. States administer the program, covering half of the administrative costs, while the federal government funds 100% of the monthly benefits. However, the recent reconciliation law initiated a significant shift in fiscal responsibility, transferring billions of dollars in costs previously borne by the federal government onto the states. Beginning in , states will be responsible for an additional 25% of administrative expenses, with further increases planned in subsequent years. This represents the most substantial structural change to SNAP in over six decades.
Estimates suggest that these cost shifts could collectively raise states’ SNAP expenses to $15 billion annually once fully implemented. Simultaneously, new eligibility rules are projected to decrease SNAP enrollment, potentially increasing demand at food pantries. Ironically, the federal law also eliminated a program that previously supported food banks, compounding the challenge.
The impact of SNAP cuts extends beyond immediate food access. Losing SNAP benefits can create a “double whammy” for families with children, disrupting not only their home meals but also their access to school meals. This connection is crucial, as school breakfast and lunch programs play a vital role in reducing food insecurity and supporting children’s learning. These meals often represent the healthiest food children consume throughout the day.
Offering universal free school meals – providing meals to all students regardless of household income – offers multiple benefits. It expands access to nutritious food, reduces the stigma associated with free and reduced-price meals, eases financial burdens on families, and eliminates school meal debt. Currently, 60% of schools already offer meals to all students at no charge, and advocates are urging the President to commit to making this a nationwide reality.
Beyond school meals, the Summer EBT program is another critical component of addressing childhood hunger. This program provides grocery benefits to families during summer vacation, replacing the meals children would typically receive at school. However, 12 states have not yet opted into the program, leaving over $1.4 billion in potential benefits untapped. Encouraging all states to participate in Summer EBT would significantly reduce childhood hunger, improve nutrition, and stimulate local economies.
Investing in and expanding access to high-quality afterschool and summer programs that offer nutritious meals, as well as supporting affordable childcare and associated meal programs, are also essential strategies. These programs provide safe, enriching environments for children while ensuring they receive adequate nutrition during out-of-school hours.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) also plays a vital role in ensuring a healthy start in life. This program provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five. Continued support for WIC is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes.
addressing food insecurity requires a comprehensive, national commitment. The State of the Union address provides President Trump with a platform to articulate a vision for a nation free from hunger, and to outline concrete steps to ensure that all Americans have access to the affordable, nutritious food they need to thrive. This isn’t simply a matter of social welfare; it’s an investment in the health, well-being, and future of our nation.
