Nutrition assistance programs face ongoing challenges

Short-term funding bill offers temporary reprieve for SNAP/WIC

Despite the end of the federal shutdown, significant challenges still lie ahead for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

While the Continuing Resolution (CR) that ended the shutdown funds the government through January 30, it does not guarantee funding beyond that unless Congress is able to agree on appropriations that will keep federal programs operational throughout the remainder of 2026. SNAP and WIC remain vulnerable if another Congressional standoff occurs in the new year.

Fallout of H.R.1 still looms

The longer-term challenge facing SNAP in particular comes from H.R.1, the Congressional budget reconciliation bill that will cut Nebraska’s federal SNAP expenditures by $322 million over the next 10 fiscal years, shifting more of the economic burden for nutrition assistance to our state. H.R.1 will:

1. Impose more stringent work requirements for SNAP beneficiaries, creating additional administrative and staffing costs for Nebraska.
2. Undercut a key source of revenue for about 1,414 Nebraska food retailers, which generated over $366 million in economic activity in 2023.
3. Expand food deserts in 66 Nebraska counties, push families further into poverty and destabilize local economies throughout the state.

Food insecurity affects 19.2% of our state’s children.  In FY 2023, SNAP helped over 150,000 Nebraskans (including 64,047 children) by providing school meals, summer EBT and other nutritional supports. That means 1 in 11 Nebraska households rely on SNAP to put food on the table. These are more than food programs—they are critical investments in public heath, economic stability and the well-being of Nebraskans statewide.

Now is the time to remind federal lawmakers that our state and nation deserve responsible reforms that safeguard the well-being of children, families and communities.