SNAP Funding Cuts Could Hurt Kentucky Farmers

By Blake Jackson

As federal funding cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) approach, Kentucky experts are raising concerns about the negative impact these changes could have on the state’s economy. The Kentucky Food Action Network recently warned Congress that restricting SNAP would harm farmers across the Commonwealth.

Jessica Klein, a policy associate at the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, explained that taking on just 10% of the SNAP budget would cost Kentucky $127 million in state funds. She emphasized that every $1 spent through SNAP generates nearly $2 in local economic activity "People are able to get grocery money, and then they spend that very quickly at a grocery store or a farmers market in their community," said Klein. "That money goes directly to the retailers."

SNAP serves about one in eight Kentuckians, with 40% of participants being children who rely on the program for school meals and summer food programs. Historically, SNAP has been fully funded by the federal government, with almost all the money going toward food purchases. Klein added that extra money in the pockets of families is crucial in helping them afford essential items, including protein.

With natural disasters and economic challenges affecting local communities, Klein highlighted how SNAP, despite providing an average of just $6 a day, is critical for many families. She stressed that the program is vital for addressing food insecurity, especially amid rising inflation.

Critics, including the right-leaning CATO Institute, argue that SNAP spending has ballooned in recent years, reaching $145 billion in 2023. They also point out that a significant portion of SNAP purchases goes toward junk food. In response, Kentucky lawmakers have introduced House Bill 279, which aims to ban SNAP purchases of junk food.

These ongoing debates highlight the significant role SNAP plays in supporting both individual families and local economies, particularly in states like Kentucky.

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