CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – As Congress considers a budget bill passed by the House of Representatives, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank leaders are concerned about what the plan does with SNAP benefits. Estimates are the bill could result in cuts between $250- to $300-billion to SNAP over the next decade. BRAFB’s Les Sinclair says, if enacted, “thess proposed cuts would take vital support away from children, seniors, and veterans, more than 1-million Virginians all told.
Sinclair says just a 10-percent cut in SNAP has the potential to double the demand on the food bank and food pantry system, which is something they’re already struggling to keep up with. He says SNAP provides nine meals for every one meal the food assistance network provides. Sinclair notes Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s demand is higher than it was during the peak of the pandemic as high inflation paired with the end of COVID funds to squeeze people. He says they’re seeing on average 172,000 guest visits every single month.
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