Federal SNAP Funding Cuts Threaten Jobs, State Economies Nationwide

Recent federal budget cuts under President Donald Trump's administration have significantly reduced funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and its associated nutrition education initiatives, leading to severe impacts on states and communities. Nebraska faces a shift in SNAP administrative costs from a 50-50 split with the federal government to a 75% state burden starting in fiscal 2026, potentially costing up to $13 million and threatening program cuts amid state budget deficits. In Wisconsin, the elimination of SNAP-Ed funding has prompted the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension to lay off 92 educators, jeopardizing nutrition education programs that have been shown to save long-term healthcare costs. Similarly, Missouri lost over $11 million in SNAP-Ed funding, resulting in the loss of more than 200 jobs and the discontinuation of nutrition education in schools and communities, which had previously promoted healthy eating habits and food preparation skills. Researchers at George Washington University warn that cuts to SNAP and Medicaid will cause about 1.3 million job losses nationwide and reduce state GDPs by $113 billion, negatively affecting families, businesses, and the broader economy. Advocates emphasize that these reductions undermine critical support for vulnerable populations, with potential consequences including increased food insecurity and diminished economic activity in local communities.