Statement attributed to Elsy Cipriani, Executive Director, New Hampshire Food Bank

The passing of the Budget Reconciliation Bill through the Senate contains significant reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.

The implications of this Bill are dire. These are not just cuts; they are a threat on a fundamental safety net that prevents countless families from falling into deeper poverty and hunger, and to all Granite Staters who rely on SNAP to put food on their tables.

The New Hampshire Food Bank is constantly working to ensure no one in our state goes hungry. The statistics from 2024 paint a clear picture of the vital role SNAP plays in New Hampshire: 76,900 Granite Staters relied on SNAP benefits, including 25,000 children and 11,000 seniors. These aren’t just numbers; they represent our neighbors, our friends, and the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Last year alone, the state of New Hampshire received $154 million in SNAP food benefits, providing a reported 14 million meals to SNAP households throughout New Hampshire. To put that into perspective, the New Hampshire Food Bank distributed an estimated 14 million meals in 2024 – a 5% increase from the year prior. While our work is critical, it’s clear the sheer scale of SNAP’s reach is simply irreplaceable.

The Budget Reconciliation Bill could force the state of New Hampshire to cover a significant portion of SNAP’s costs. Starting in 2028, our state could be responsible for covering 15% of SNAP food benefits, which equates to approximately $23 million in state tax dollars. This isn’t just about money; it’s about meals. That $23 million is equivalent to 9 million meals that would no longer reach the tables of our neighbors who desperately need them.

This Bill also proposes shifting a larger share of administrative costs to the states. Instead of the current 50% split, New Hampshire would be responsible for covering 75% of SNAP administrative costs, which equates to an additional $4.6 million. This would bring our total burden to $11.5 million just to keep the program running.

The impacts of these budget cuts stand to have a profound negative impact on some of our state’s most vulnerable residents, and they will undoubtedly increase demand on both the New Hampshire Food Bank and our more than 420 local partner agencies statewide. As more families turn to us for help, it will become harder to meet the growing need in our communities.