Press Release from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, dated 7/1/2025

Olubasọrọ Media: Deb Ondo, Communications ati Olukoni Ibaṣepọ, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts debo@foodbankwma.org foonu: 413-419-0170.

Today, the U.S. Senate passed the Budget Reconciliation Bill by a vote of 51-50 (with Vice President Vance breaking the tie). Preliminary estimates indicate that the Senate version would cut $200 billion in funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and $900 billion from Medicaid (i.e. MassHealth).  

In Western Massachusetts, one in six residents rely on SNAP to supplement their budget to put food on the table for themselves and their families – mostly elders and children. MassHealth is the primary source of healthcare for more than 235,000 people. These cuts will increase hunger, worsen health outcomes, and force impossible choices between food, medicine, and shelter. 

Approximately 124,000 people seek food assistance each month in our region.  The region’s food assistance network is not a replacement for a strong, federally-funded safety net. SNAP pese awọn ounjẹ ni igba mẹsan bi nẹtiwọki iranlọwọ ounje ti agbegbe wa.

The U.S. House of Representatives will now proceed quickly with a yes-or-no vote on the bill; no further amendments are expected. We have a very short window to influence the outcome of this draconian legislation. 

We urge the House to reverse these harmful cuts and will continue to fight for a future where everyone has access to healthy food, healthcare, and dignity.  

You can make your voice heard nibi>

We must stand together to protect SNAP and Medicaid (MassHealth).