Drastic Cuts to SNAP and Medicaid Will Deepen Hunger and Hardship Across Our Region

Press Release from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, dated 7/1/2025

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

Today, the U.S. Senate passed the Budget Reconciliation Bill by a vote of 51-50 (with Vice President Vance breaking the tie). Preliminary estimates indicate that the Senate version would cut $200 billion in funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and $900 billion from Medicaid (i.e. MassHealth).  

In Western Massachusetts, one in six residents rely on SNAP to supplement their budget to put food on the table for themselves and their families – mostly elders and children. MassHealth is the primary source of healthcare for more than 235,000 people. These cuts will increase hunger, worsen health outcomes, and force impossible choices between food, medicine, and shelter. 

Approximately 124,000 people seek food assistance each month in our region.  The region’s food assistance network is not a replacement for a strong, federally-funded safety net. SNAP provides nine times as many meals as our region’s food assistance network.

The U.S. House of Representatives will now proceed quickly with a yes-or-no vote on the bill; no further amendments are expected. We have a very short window to influence the outcome of this draconian legislation. 

We urge the House to reverse these harmful cuts and will continue to fight for a future where everyone has access to healthy food, healthcare, and dignity.  

You can make your voice heard here >

We must stand together to protect SNAP and Medicaid (MassHealth).