Article Summary –
The article discusses the increasing demand for food aid in northeastern Pennsylvania due to proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other safety net programs like Medicaid. With significant proposed federal budget cuts by the Trump administration and House Republicans, organizations such as Bread Basket of NEPA and Action Together NEPA anticipate a surge in demand for their services, potentially overwhelming their capacity to assist those in need. The potential cuts could lead to increased hardship and financial strain on vulnerable populations, including seniors, children, and low-income families, while also impacting local businesses and healthcare facilities.
John Kelly has witnessed it before: a surge of people turning to his food pantry in central Scranton. Last year, around 30,000 people relied on Bread Basket of NEPA’s seven food pantries in northeastern Pennsylvania, a significant increase from 20,000 in 2023. This rise followed the end of a federal program meant to boost food benefits during COVID, resulting in reduced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, aid.
With the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers considering cuts to SNAP, which supports around two million Pennsylvanians and 42 million nationwide, Kelly anticipates a spike in those needing emergency food aid. His pantry, already at capacity, may struggle to meet demand.
If Bread Basket of NEPA sees a 50% increase in need, as Kelly fears with SNAP cuts, the pantry might have to ration aid, reducing visits from twice to once a month. “Budgetwise, stark realities face us,” Kelly said, emphasizing the difficult choices.
President Trump, critical of SNAP, which aids elderly Americans, children, and low-income families, tried to revoke eligibility for nearly 700,000 people; a federal court blocked it.
Currently, Republican efforts focus on funding a mass deportation and tax cuts by exploring SNAP and other safety net program cuts, including Medicaid and TANF.
House Republicans on Feb. 12 unveiled a budget proposing $1.5 trillion in federal spending reductions, threatening Medicaid and SNAP. Marc Stier of the Pennsylvania Policy Center warns cuts could mean significant hardship.
“The proposals they put forward are unconscionable,” Stier said, noting two-thirds of Americans use public assistance at some point.
‘It’s helping seniors. It’s helping people with disabilities.’
Kristin Volchansky, advocacy director of Action Together NEPA, shares her journey with Medicaid. Diagnosed with mononucleosis at 21, she relied on Medicaid for treatment after a genetic immune deficiency was identified. Her monthly treatments cost $30,000, which Medicaid covered after Pennsylvania expanded eligibility under the Affordable Care Act.
“Medicaid enabled me to regain health and pursue my passion,” Volchansky said. She no longer needs Medicaid, now having a plan through Pennsylvania’s Affordable Care Act marketplace.
Medicaid is vital for many, including children, seniors, and those with disabilities. According to a KFF report, it covers three in eight Pennsylvania children and five in eight nursing home residents.
Hospital closures and local businesses
Potential Medicaid and SNAP cuts could close hospitals and harm businesses like farms and grocery stores. Uninsured individuals may delay care until it’s an emergency, risking hospital closures, Stier explained.
Amanda Gordineer of Food Dignity warned SNAP cuts could financially hurt local food retailers. “SNAP supports our local economy,” she said. Without aid, people may have to choose between food and other essentials. Budget cuts threaten food pantry operations, vital for families like Dan Tomlinson’s in Scranton, who relies on these resources.
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