Virginia Leaders Highlight Devastating Impact of SNAP Cuts on Children

Virginia leaders and community members gathered at a press event in Richmond to discuss federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — cuts that will hit children the hardest.

The reductions, totaling $187 billion nationwide by 2034, could leave more

than 440,000 Virginia families struggling to put food on the table, with devastating consequences for children’s health, education, and stability.

At the press conference, hosted by Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan and State Senator Ghazala Hashmi, speakers warned of the deep harm these cuts could inflict on families already battling rising costs of food, housing, and childcare.

Rep. McClellan. pointed to research showing that SNAP improves long-term health outcomes: “A study published this year found that SNAP helps protect kids from developing heart disease, but rather than Making America Healthy Again, this historic cut to SNAP will do just the opposite.”

Impact on Children’s Nutrition and Education

For many Virginia children, SNAP does more than put food on the table. It also

determines access to free and reduced-price school meals, meaning these cuts could leave children hungry both at home and in the classroom. This double hit could set kids back academically and impact their physical development.

Asia Broadie, a Virginia mother and SNAP recipient, described the reality many families face: “I have to rely on SNAP to help me feed my kids so that I can make ends meet. Taking people’s food away from them is so cruel. My kids are doing well in school because they’re obviously fed. They can get some fresh fruit in the morning before heading out to school. I want my kids to have a nice career one day and SNAP helps them focus in class, to be able to do that.”