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Rep. Krishnamoorthi calls for protection of SNAP funding
Krishnamoorthi, who had previously benefited from SNAP, argued in favor of expanding the program instead of cutting it, highlighting its positive impact on the economy
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U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) answers questions during a news conference about the recent Congressional delegation trip to the Indo-Pacific region, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. August 10, 2022. / REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo
Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi emphasized the need to safeguard the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from proposed funding cuts proposed by theTrump administration during a roundtable with elected officials, community leaders, and food pantry representatives on March 20, .
The discussion comes amid efforts by Congressional Republicans to reduce federal spending, with the House Agriculture Committee’s recent budget proposal seeking at least $230 billion in cuts through 2034.
Also Read: Rep. Krishnamoorthi slams Trump policies in Schaumburg town hall
A significant portion of these reductions is expected to impact SNAP, a program that supports nearly two million Illinois residents, including over 950,000 in Cook County, a news release from the congressman’s office noted.
“No one in Illinois should have to lie awake at night worrying that their access to food will be taken away by Republicans to fund tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy,” Krishnamoorthi said. “When I was a child, the food stamp program helped my family get back on our feet, and food banks, SNAP, and other anti-hunger programs are making that same difference for so many other families today.”
Krishnamoorthi also pointed to rising food costs, citing the impact of tariffs and concerns over price gouging by food manufacturers. He has called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate potential market manipulation contributing to higher prices on essential items such as eggs.
A former SNAP recipient, Krishnamoorthi underscored the program’s economic benefits, referencing a U.S. Department of Agriculture study that found every additional dollar in SNAP benefits generates $1.54 in gross domestic product during economic downturns. With ongoing economic challenges, he argued that Congress should invest in SNAP rather than consider funding cuts.
Kate Maehr, executive director and CEO of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, warned that any weakening of SNAP would lead to increased food insecurity. “SNAP is our nation’s most vital and effective anti-hunger program,” she said. “Food banks and other nonprofit organizations would never be able to make up the difference.”
Julie Yurko, president and CEO of the Northern Illinois Food Bank, highlighted the strain that SNAP cuts would place on charitable food systems. “The Northern Illinois Food Bank serves 570,000 neighbors a month. A reduction in SNAP benefits will severely impact our neighbors’ ability to access the food they need to nourish their families’ health and well-being,” she said.
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