SNAP benefits could be on the line for thousands of Louisiana families.
“I don’t think that taking money away from people is going to be helpful,” said Patrick Thurlow.
New data implies President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” would cut $186 million in SNAP benefits nationwide.
“Anything that makes it harder for families to feed themselves and their kids is not a good thing,” said Thurlow.
In Louisiana, more than 400,000 families could lose some or all SNAP benefits over the next two years. Of those families, nearly 80,000 could lose an average of $100 each month in benefits, according to the Urban Institute data analysis.
“Groceries just seem to keep climbing and climbing, and it doesn’t seem like prices are ever going to go back down,” said Thurlow.
President Trump says the cuts are necessary to lower federal spending, but some residents disagree.
“It’s really kind of tough for families. I think they could have went with cuts somewhere else other than the SNAP benefits,” said Alanzo Morris.
Morris says he believes no one should go to bed hungry.
“Since we always say we’re worried about kids and stuff why would you cut back on their food,” said Morris.
One local organization is stepping in to help.
“It’s a shame to see that fewer people are going to be eligible for SNAP,” said John Sillars.
Second Harvest Food Bank says they expect to see more people seeking assistance, and they’re ready to help.
“People need food to survive and thrive. People who currently qualify for SNAP that no longer qualify, we imagine they will come to us and we will help them,” said Sillars.
READ MORE:SNAP benefits could be on the line for thousands of Louisiana residents
