The current budget reconciliation bill in Congress would take food assistance and medical care away from millions of people, including children, older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities. Now in the Senate, it includes the most significant cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in their history– almost $1 trillion, while preserving and extending tax cuts for the highest income earners. These cuts would lower benefits, taking food away from children, and would shift staggering program costs from the federal government to states, which, like Massachusetts, would force states to cut other essential programs that we all rely on, such as roads, bridges, and schools.

In Massachusetts, one in six residents use SNAP benefits to purchase groceries and put food on the table for themselves and their families. Most SNAP recipients—85%—are older adults, people with severe disabilities, or children. If passed, 237,000 people across the state would lose SNAP benefits, and 350,000 people could lose MassHealth insurance coverage.

Most people receiving SNAP and Medicaid benefits who can work are already working. Dina S., of Shutesbury, has a progressive spinal cord injury and recently suffered a heart attack. She currently pays an affordable monthly premium for Medicaid (MassHealth) coverage. She will lose coverage if this budget bill is passed and her premiums increase beyond her ability to afford insurance, or she is forced to work more hours, rendering her income ineligible. She recently met with her doctor to determine which of her prescriptions is most critical to keep her alive. No one should be forced to make such choices.

SNAP injects significant federal funds into our region, driving economic growth that creates jobs. Every month, SNAP recipients spend $35 million at grocery stores, bodegas, farm stands, and farmers’ markets throughout Western Massachusetts. SNAP cuts would have a significant impact on businesses, farmers, and entire communities.

If these cuts come to pass, significantly more people will turn to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and our region’s network of food pantries and community meal sites. Our network is already serving more people than ever before. We cannot make up for the scale of the federal SNAP program. SNAP provides nine times as many meals as our region’s food assistance network.

For more than half a century, both SNAP and Medicaid have been the foundation of our nation’s public safety, upon which people build healthy and fulfilling lives. Nutritious food and access to affordable, quality health care allow children to succeed in school, elders to live a life of dignity, and adults to participate in the workforce to care for their families.

Our Massachusetts Congressional delegation, including Congressman McGovern and Senators Markey and Warren, has been standing strong against these cuts. They need us to raise our voices as well. Please visit www.foodbankwma.org/get-involved/advocate to learn how to voice your objection to these cuts that would cause so much harm to all of us.