The following statement is attributed to Foodlink’s President & CEO, Julia Tedesco:
The budget reconciliation bill passed today by Congress will slash SNAP ($200B) and Medicaid ($900B) at a time when the costs of food and healthcare remain prohibitively high. It is an unconscionable policy choice that will impact the health outcomes of our neighbors for generations.
The emergency food system we convene in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region is experiencing an unprecedented need and some of the highest food-insecurity rates in recent history. New faces at food pantries; longer lines at soup kitchens; and more frequent and costly food orders to keep their shelves stocked. The families they serve make difficult choices every day, and it is clear to us that this legislation will make their lives even more difficult.
SNAP is our nation’s most effective anti-poverty program. It provides 9x more meals than all of our nation’s 200 food banks combined. The impact of these cuts will be significant.
While the passage of this legislation is disappointing, we will continue to show up – alongside hundreds of our partners – to provide food to those who need our help. We will step in, when our government fails to. Our mission calls on us to end hunger and build healthier communities. The challenges ahead are considerable, but with your support, we will continue to advocate for solutions that support all of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
