As More Families Are Pushed Off SNAP, Rep. Bobby Scott Joins Affordable Virginia to Discuss the Impact
Rep. Kiggans’ Vote Pushes More People Off SNAP This Month
Chesapeake, VA – Affordable Virginia joined Rep. Bobby Scott at RESET Inc for a roundtable to discuss the impact of SNAP cuts across Hampton Roads as over 78,000 Virginians are at risk of losing their benefits. Just this month, more recipients of SNAP are being pushed off of the program, cuts that Rep. Kiggans and her Republican colleagues supported when they voted for the Republican Tax Law, and must reverse.
Experts from across the region participated in an informative conversation about what we can do to support our neighbors and the impact that kicking working families, seniors, and children off of this essential food program has on our community.
“Feeding those who are unable to feed themselves should not be controversial. When you ask people if they support feeding seniors and school kids, they never say no,” said Representative Bobby Scott. “When they passed the Republican Tax Law last year, we saw an immediate hit to the SNAP program, and as federal funding was withdrawn, too many families in Virginia had to wait on the Commonwealth to make up the difference. That’s unacceptable. I’m grateful for the work everyone who joined me today is doing to feed those most in need in our community.”
The Republican Tax Law was the biggest hit to SNAP in the history of the program. SNAP supports over 800,000 people in Virginia and 33,000 veterans. These cuts come after Virginians are already dealing with increasing costs on everyday essentials and groceries. Tariffs are a large contributor, and Rep. Kiggans has repeatedly voted to allow cost-raising and job-killing tariffs, even as her constituents have urged her to take action, and as prices remain high and job losses are mounting.
“We saw an immediate impact on the demand once SNAP benefits were cut,” said Sabrina Robinson, Director of RESET Inc. “These are families who more often than not have jobs. They are just looking for a few things to help them get to the next paycheck. When we talk about SNAP recipients, they aren’t the people you would first think of, they’re nurses, delivery drivers, home care workers – these are people who are an integral part of our community, but with the rising costs of everything, even they have a hard time keeping up. I’m so glad that we have Rep. Scott’s leadership in Washington to advocate for this critical program.”
Additional photos and video can be viewed here.
Photo Credit: Donte Lassiter