Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Understanding the Big Beautiful Bill and its impact on hunger relief and food banks.
The Big Beautiful Bill has introduced significant changes to programs like SNAP and Medicaid. Below, we answer common questions about what this means for families, food banks, and our community—and how you can help.

What is the Big Beautiful Bill?

The Big Beautiful Bill is a federal law that introduces major changes to social safety net programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. While its supporters frame it as a cost-cutting measure, it reduces funding for hunger relief and healthcare programs that millions of Americans rely on.

How does the Big Beautiful Bill affect SNAP benefits?

The Big Beautiful Bill cuts SNAP funding by $186 billion over the next decade, resulting in reduced benefits and stricter eligibility requirements. These changes will leave many low-income families, children, veterans, and seniors struggling to afford nutritious meals. For food banks like Long Island Cares, this means a surge in demand for emergency food assistance.

What changes does the Big Beautiful Bill make to Medicaid?

The bill significantly reduces federal Medicaid funding, which could limit access to healthcare for millions of low-income individuals. Families who rely on Medicaid may face higher medical costs or lose coverage altogether, forcing them to make difficult choices between paying for healthcare and buying food.

Why are food banks concerned about the Big Beautiful Bill?

Food banks anticipate increased demand as SNAP cuts leave more families without adequate resources to buy groceries. Hunger relief organizations, already stretched thin, will need to fill the gap left by reduced federal assistance. Long Island Cares and other food banks are ramping up advocacy efforts to protect vulnerable families from the devastating effects of these cuts.

How many people will be affected by the Big Beautiful Bill?

Nationwide, millions of individuals who depend on SNAP and Medicaid will feel the impact. In our local communities, thousands of families rely on these programs each month to keep food on the table and access essential medical care. The cuts will disproportionately affect children, seniors, and working families. This includes over 170,000 Long Islanders who rely on SNAP to put food on the table and more than 675,000 who depend on Medicaid for health care.

What can I do to help families impacted by the Big Beautiful Bill?

You can make a difference by:

• Donating to your local food bank to ensure shelves stay stocked.
• Volunteering your time to help distribute food to families in need.
• Advocating for hunger relief by contacting your elected officials.
• Raising awareness on social media about the bill’s impact on food insecurity.

How can I contact my elected officials about hunger relief policies?

Your voice matters. Call, email, or write to your local representatives and senators to express your concerns about the Big Beautiful Bill and its cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. To easily find your local representatives, visit our advocacy page, scroll down, and follow the prompts. You can also use online advocacy tools from Feeding America to send pre-written messages or sign petitions.

Where can I find more information about SNAP and Medicaid changes?

For detailed updates, visit the official USDA SNAP website and Medicaid.gov. You can also review fact sheets from organizations like Feeding America, the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), and your state’s Department of Social Services. Long Island Cares will continue to share timely updates on our advocacy page.

How is Long Island Cares responding to the Big Beautiful Bill?

Long Island Cares is taking a multi-pronged approach to address the challenges created by the Big Beautiful Bill:

• Expanding food distribution to meet growing demand.
• Strengthening partnerships with local pantries and community organizations.
• Advocating for policy change by engaging lawmakers.
• Educating the community about available resources for families impacted by SNAP and Medicaid cuts.

How can I get involved with Long Island Cares’ advocacy efforts?

You can join our advocacy campaigns by signing up for action alerts on our website. These alerts notify you when important legislation needs your voice. You can also attend community events, share our social media posts, and encourage friends and family to contact their representatives.