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US Food Banks Overwhelmed as SNAP Cuts Strip Benefits from Millions

other · 2026-08-15

U.S. food banks are experiencing an extraordinary surge in demand as cuts to federal nutrition assistance, resulting from President Donald Trump's budget legislation, come into effect. This change affects 4.5 million individuals, including 1.5 million children, leading to a staggering $200 billion reduction in SNAP benefits. New reporting requirements for work may further jeopardize aid. Long lines are now common at food banks, with Eddie Nelson from a Dallas, Oregon facility remarking, "Our freezers are getting empty." Pam Molitoris from the Central Illinois Food Bank expressed their inability to "absorb" the consequences. In New Mexico, over 18,000 individuals lost SNAP benefits through Roadrunner Food Bank. Feeding America estimates these cuts could result in the loss of up to 9 billion meals each year, with no relief from Republican lawmakers.

Key facts

  • SNAP cuts signed into law by President Donald Trump last summer have stripped benefits from 4.5 million people, including 1.5 million children.
  • The cuts total around $200 billion, the largest in SNAP's history.
  • Food banks in Oregon, New Mexico, and Illinois report massive increases in demand.
  • Eddie Nelson, manager of a food bank in Dallas, Oregon, said 'Our freezers are getting empty.'
  • Pam Molitoris, executive director of the Central Illinois Food Bank, said his organization 'cannot absorb' the damage.
  • More than 18,000 people lost SNAP benefits in New Mexico between July 2025 and April 2026.
  • Feeding America says the cuts equate to up to 9 billion meals lost per year.
  • A Republican farm bill that would delay SNAP cost-shift to states failed to advance out of committee.
  • George Kelemen of No Kid Hungry said 'Children will suffer as a result.'

Entities

Institutions

  • Oregon Public Broadcasting
  • Central Illinois Food Bank
  • Roadrunner Food Bank
  • Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
  • Feeding America
  • No Kid Hungry
  • Common Dreams
  • Naked Capitalism

Locations

  • United States
  • New Mexico
  • Oregon
  • Illinois
  • Dallas, Oregon
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Washington, D.C.

Sources