The House Passes Devastating SNAP and Medicaid Cuts

Press Release from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, dated 7/3/2025

Media Contact: Deb Ondo, Communications and Engagement Manager, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts debo@foodbankwma.org
Phone: 413-419-0170.

We are outraged by the House of Representatives’ passage of the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which slashes funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid/MassHealth — lifelines for millions of children, older adults, low-wage working people, veterans, and people with disabilities across the country. This Bill is not just harmful policy, it’s a direct assault on the health, well-being, and economic stability of our communities. 

In Western Massachusetts, one in six residents rely on SNAP to supplement their budget and put food on the table, primarily elders and children. MassHealth is the primary source of healthcare for more than 235,000 people.  

These cuts—the largest in our nation’s history—will not only deprive people of food and healthcare. They will also strip tens of millions of dollars from our local food economy—dollars that sustain farms, grocery stores, food producers, and small businesses throughout Western Massachusetts.  SNAP benefits alone inject more than $35 million into our region every month. When those dollars disappear, farms shut down. Grocers lay off staff. Food businesses downsize. And more people—now unemployed or underpaid—are pushed into poverty and food insecurity. 

This Bill doesn’t just take food off tables. It multiplies hunger. It deepens inequality. It places significant burdens on states, communities, and non–profits like the Food Bank and our frontline food pantry and meal site members. 

What happens now? 

It is crucial to note that these cuts will not take effect immediately. Cuts to Medicaid are expected to take place in November. Cuts to SNAP benefits are scheduled to take effect in October 2026. Until then, we encourage people to continue to utilize these benefits. If you have questions about SNAP, our team is here to help.  

Please join us in the weeks and months ahead as we navigate the next steps for legislative priorities related to the Farm Bill, federal commodities funding, and preparing for potential additional budget reconciliation legislation that could emerge in Congress.   

Please sign up for our advocacy alerts if you haven’t done so already.  

We are grateful to our Massachusetts federal legislators who worked tirelessly to protest the passage of this bill. Thank you for speaking out in Washington on behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth who face hunger. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey, and Congressmen Jim McGovern, Richard Neal, and other legislators from across Massachusetts. Thank you for your continued support.  

The Food Bank will continue its mission to ensure people have access to nutritious food when and where they need it, regardless of the challenges ahead.