The Food Bank of Northern Nevada is guided by a core belief: every Nevadan deserves consistent access to nutritious food. Access to food is a fundamental human right, and the proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps) within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives directly threaten this right for hundreds of thousands in our state. We cannot stand by silently as this vital support system is jeopardized, nor can we compromise the vision of a strong, healthy Nevada where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
These proposed changes are not just abstract numbers; they represent potential hardship for our neighbors. If enacted, Nevada would face an immense challenge: either find an estimated $170 million annually to maintain current SNAP benefit levels or significantly cut the program, creating a massive gap in our food safety net. Neither outcome is truly acceptable for our communities, as both would severely impact our most vulnerable neighbors and undermine our community’s collective well-being.
THE POTENTIAL IMPACT IS CLEAR
- Over half a million Nevadans – 1 in 6 of us – rely on SNAP to help put food on the table. These are our neighbors, friends, and family members, who are striving to build better lives for themselves and their families.
- Children are especially vulnerable. More than 62% of Nevada SNAP recipients are in families with children. Limiting their access to essential nutrition could compromise their healthy development and future well-being, hindering their ability to learn and grow.
- Hardworking families depend on SNAP. Over 41% of SNAP participants in Nevada are in working families. These are individuals contributing to our economy yet still facing food insecurity due to low wages or challenging economic circumstances. Reducing SNAP benefits would place an additional burden on these dedicated individuals, making it harder for them to achieve stability.
- Nutritional security is at stake. We know that when grocery budgets are severely constrained, families are often forced to make impossible choices, sacrificing healthy, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins for cheaper, less nutritious options. This directly impacts health outcomes, particularly for children and seniors, contributing to higher rates of diet-related illnesses and long-term health challenges. A healthy Nevada begins with healthy food for all its citizens.
- SNAP is a cornerstone of hunger relief, far beyond what food banks can provide. For every single meal our food bank provides through tireless community effort, SNAP delivers nine. To be absolutely clear: if SNAP benefits are significantly cut, food banks like ours simply cannot make up the difference. The sheer volume of meals provided by SNAP is monumental, and while we will always strive to meet the need, even our most robust efforts cannot replace the foundational support SNAP offers for a resilient community.
- The economic ripple effect would be substantial. Every dollar invested in SNAP generates approximately $1.80 in local economic activity. Slashing SNAP benefits would negatively affect Nevada businesses, from large retailers to the small, family-owned stores that serve our communities. Nearly 2,000 of these businesses depend on SNAP customers, highlighting how investing in SNAP is an investment in Nevada’s economic vitality.
OUR CALL TO ACTION
We are urging our elected officials to recognize the profound human and economic consequences of these proposed changes. Let us be clear: this isn’t a partisan issue. It’s about the well-being of our communities and the future strength of our state. Access to food and the ability to afford nutritious meals transcends political lines. We believe Nevada should not be forced into a position where we must choose between adequately supporting our most vulnerable residents and shouldering an unsustainable financial burden. Instead, we can choose to protect the programs that empower our neighbors and strengthen our communities.
We strongly encourage Nevada’s Senators to stand firm against these potential cuts to SNAP. Your constituents are counting on you to protect their fundamental right to food and nutritional security, and to uphold the vision of a prosperous Nevada where no one is left behind.
Please contact Nevada’s Senators today and respectfully share your concerns about these potential changes to SNAP. Let them know that you believe in a society where everyone has enough to eat, and where families can afford the nutritious food they need to thrive and contribute to our state’s success.
You can find their contact information below:
Catherine Cortez Masto
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
(202) 224-3542
Jacky Rosen
713 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC 20510
(202) 224-6244
This is a critical moment for our state. By speaking up, you can help protect access to vital food assistance programs and build a stronger, healthier, and more food-secure Nevada for all. What steps will you take to help us advocate for our community?
