Food banks feel the pain from higher prices and cuts to government programs

Deema Zein:

Republican lawmakers are also considering cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, previously known as food stamps.

Last year, about 42 million people used the program. In a statement to the “News Hour,” a USDA spokesperson said: “The USDA has not and will not lose focus on its core mission of strengthening food security, supporting agricultural markets, and ensuring access to nutritious foods.”

The agency also noted a recent approval of $261 million in purchases of fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts to food banks.