Regional Advocates Wary Over Proposed Food Stamp Cuts

The federal Food stamp program,  or SNAP - the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,  would see an eleven percent cut if passed as proposed by Republican House members.   Hunger Solutions New York Executive Director Linda Bopp reports that on Wednesday the House Agriculture Committee voted to reduce the food stamp program by 33-billion dollars.  

Bopp estimates that under the proposal  a family of 4 receiving the maximum benefit would see a monthly cut of 57 dollars.

The food stamp program is called 3-Squares Vermont in the Green Mountain State.  Hunger Free Vermont 3Squares Advocacy Manager Angela Smith-Bieng  is hopeful the cuts won’t pass.

Central Vermont Community Action Council  Executive Director Hal Cohen says a 33-billion dollar cut is scary, but he has been reassured by Vermont’s Congressional delegation that the Ryan proposal is dead in the water.

East Boston based Project Bread is the convener for the Northeast Regional Anti-Hunger Network.  Executive Director Ellen Parker says the Republican budget should invest in American programs.

The advocates say while most states have supplemental programs, they do not have the resources to replace proposed cuts to the federal food stamp program.