New Strong Nation Brief:
Prioritization of SNAP and similar programs will help secure our nation
ICS’s new initiative, Strong Nation, shares that proper nutrition is one of the nation’s first line of defense against threats to its security, longevity, and prosperity. For families experiencing economic instability, federally funded nutrition assistance programs are vital resources for access to healthy and nutritious foods, particularly families with children. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – the largest nutrition assistance program in the United States – provides monthly benefits to households with low incomes to purchase nutrient-rich food. Of the households who receive SNAP assistance, 62% are families with children.
Other nutrition assistance programs that support families and children include the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Together, these programs provide a crucial safety net for vulnerable children and families.
Other nutrition assistance programs that support families and children include the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Together, these programs provide a safety net for vulnerable children and families.
Despite their importance, these programs face the threat of severe reductions due to proposed funding cuts. SNAP, in particular, is facing potential cuts, stricter work requirements, and changes to how states fund the program. For FY 2025, the average SNAP participant is estimated to receive $187 per month, or approximately $6 per day. With the average monthly grocery bill around $5,047 even a small reduction to this amount will make maintaining a healthy diet even further out of reach for struggling families.
Congress must ensure that struggling families can meet their daily nutritional needs. Targeted support from Congress will ensure that children in households that utilize SNAP receive the nutrition needed to foster the healthy physical and cognitive functioning needed for any career they choose, including the military.
To learn more about the importance of SNAP and the issues listed below, please read our full brief by clicking here.
- SNAP can foster national security
- SNAP is cost-efficient
- Barriers to utilizing SNAP
- Modernizing SNAP
- Percent ineligible to joining the military
- Rates of SNAP households with children by state
Also visit our Strong Nation page to explore the many programs we are collaborating with to make an impact for children across the United States by clicking here.