Press Contact:
Laura Brooks
lbrooks@godspantry.org
606-584-4572
Statement from Michael Halligan, President and CEO of God’s Pantry Food Bank, on Final Passage of SNAP Provisions in House Bill
God’s Pantry Food Bank is deeply disappointed by the final passage of legislation under H.R. 1, which weakens the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a lifeline for nearly 600,000 Kentuckians and millions of Americans nationwide.
This bill, now headed to the President’s desk for signature, includes harmful provisions that risk increasing hunger, especially among children, seniors, veterans, and working families who rely on SNAP to put food on the table. The changes, including new work requirements for families with school-aged children and cost shifting to state governments, do not reflect the reality of life in Central and Eastern Kentucky, where food insecurity is widespread and support systems are already stretched thin.
SNAP is a proven, efficient, and effective program. For every meal provided by food banks, SNAP provides nine. God’s Pantry Food Bank and our network of more than 500 food pantries and meal programs cannot fill the gap these policy changes will create.
We are particularly concerned about the long-term consequences for rural communities, where access to childcare, jobs, and transportation is limited. Forcing parents to choose between work and caring for their children during school breaks is not a solution; it’s a recipe for deeper hardship. Shifting SNAP costs and administration to states will also strain local resources, increase bureaucratic complexity, and make it harder for eligible families to access support.
At God’s Pantry Food Bank, we remain committed to advocating for policies that strengthen our ability to fight hunger. We will continue to work alongside our partners, lawmakers, and communities to ensure every Kentuckian has access to the food and resources they need to thrive. As we look to the future, we urge Kentucky’s congressional delegation to champion a bipartisan Farm Bill that protects and strengthens all nutrition programs, including SNAP.
About God’s Pantry Food Bank:
1 in 6 people in Kentucky do not know when they will receive their next meal – in Central and Eastern Kentucky, it is 1 in 5. We empower more than 500 food pantries and meal programs across Central and Eastern Kentucky. Our vision: A nourished life for every Kentuckian. Our mission: Reducing hunger by working together to feed Kentucky communities. Visit www.godspantry.org to learn more.
