Article Summary –
Chezni Carrion relies on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutritional program to afford groceries and essentials for herself and her son, Hudson, emphasizing these programs as necessities amidst rising living costs. Proposed cuts in President Donald Trump’s federal spending bill threaten funding for these programs, potentially impacting nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites who rely on SNAP, including Carrion, and could lead to a loss of $314 million in federal funding for Wisconsin. Jackie Anderson from Feeding Wisconsin highlights the strain food pantries already face and argues that reducing these essential programs would exacerbate food insecurity for families, seniors, veterans, and children in the community.
Chezni Carrion’s 19-month-old son, Hudson, is very social, greeting everyone and everything. He enjoys dancing at day care. After ear tube surgery, his speech improved, and he isn’t a picky eater.
“He eats everything. I haven’t found something he dislikes,” she said.
Living in La Crosse, not far from Hudson’s day care and Carrion’s job at a vet clinic, they bond over animals, playing with their dogs, Izzy and Georgia. Hudson enjoys parks and discovering new playgrounds.
“He loves observing trees and wildlife,” Carrion shared.
As a single mom facing rising living costs, Carrion relies on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program to sustain daily life.
“It’s essential for survival, not just a benefit,” Carrion explained.
SNAP and WIC offer food assistance to low-income families for purchasing groceries and healthy food. The future of these programs is uncertain due to potential funding cuts in President Donald Trump’s federal spending bill. The bill, passed by the House on May 22, proposes reducing SNAP funding by $230 billion over ten years. Read more here.
About 700,000 Wisconsin residents rely on SNAP, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Wisconsin could lose $314 million in SNAP funding, requiring the state to match federal contributions, as mentioned by Wisconsin Medicaid Director Bill Hanna in a press release. Stricter qualifying rules could affect 90,000 Wisconsinites.
“Wisconsin’s strong SNAP program faces a $314 million yearly cut,” Hanna stated. “This affects health care, roads, schools, and the economy.”
Feeding Wisconsin reports increased pressure on food banks. SNAP cuts would intensify this strain.
“High grocery prices are already out of reach,” said Feeding Wisconsin’s executive director, Jackie Anderson, in a press release. “Now isn’t the time to reduce essential programs. Families need strong support to thrive.”
Using WIC since her pregnancy, Carrion also signed up for SNAP post-birth.
“I called from the hospital to enroll because it’s necessary with rising prices. It helps feed us monthly,” Carrion noted.
Working as a veterinary receptionist, Carrion is careful with her budget but ends each month with just $100-$200 after bills. Her SNAP benefits reduced from $300 to $270 after extra hours at work.
“I use every penny, or I couldn’t afford essentials. It’s a 100% need,” Carrion said. Without aid, she’d depend on food pantries with limited options and restrictions.
Using SNAP comes with stigma. “I feel stared at when using benefits, but I pay taxes for these programs,” she said. Without aid, Carrion would struggle with bills, feeding her family, and enjoying life with Hudson.
“It’s more than a benefit — it’s a necessity. Cutting these means taking away people’s ability to live. It allows moments of relief, like taking Hudson to the park for ice cream.”
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