After months of deliberation, the U.S. Senate finally approved its version of Child Nutrition Reauthorization, which provides food to low-income children through school meals and other programs.

But the passage of the bill—known as the “Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010”—comes at a grave cost for hungry families. In order to pay for the anti-hunger bill, senators cut $2 billion from food stamp (SNAP) benefits, considered the country’s first line of defense against hunger.

What’s more, the cuts came just hours after senators slashed $12 billion from SNAP to pay for a bill to preserve teaching jobs and fund state Medicaid programs.

“These are all worthy measures, but their passage should not come at the expense of the 40 million Americans who rely on SNAP to feed their families,” said Carey Morgan, Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger. “It’s the equivalent of stealing from the hungry to give to the hungry.”

In the Philadelphia region, more than half a million people rely on SNAP to put food on their tables. Under the bill, a family of four will lose $60 in SNAP benefits every month. That’s more than $700 in groceries every year. 

“It’s not only unconscionable for senators to cut SNAP benefits while so many Americans are still reeling from the recession, it’s extremely short-sighted,” Morgan said. “In addition to helping families make ends meet, SNAP is one of the most effective ways to stimulate the economy.”

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates more than $1.70 in economic activity, according to a study by economist Mark Zandi of Moody’s. That’s more than what’s generated by state and local aid or unemployment insurance.

Up Next:

• The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the state aid bill on Tuesday, Aug. 10.
• The Senate must reconcile their version of the Child Nutrition bill with the House version.

What You Can Do:

• Call or write your Representative in Congress and tell them to reject cuts to SNAP benefits.
• Sign up for the Coalition e-newsletter to find out the latest news on Child Nutrition and SNAP (food stamps).

• Learn about SNAP. 
• Read about Child Nutrition Reauthorization.

Related articles:

• "One-two punch hits food stamps," by David Rogers, Politico
• "SNAP/food stamps provide real stimulus," Food Research & Action Center
• "Educations jobs bill is motivated by politics," The Washington Post 
• "Editorial: Congress's Serial Hit on Food Stamps," The New York Times