When Policy Becomes Personal

July 11 | Isabelle Panza

When Policy Becomes Personal: How Proposed Changes to SNAP and Medicaid Could Impact Long Island Families

On Monday, the U.S. Senate passed a major domestic policy bill that proposes significant tax reductions alongside spending rollbacks to several federal programs — including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. While the bill still requires approval in the House, its current provisions have the potential to impact millions of Americans — including thousands of families on Long Island.

At Long Island Cares, we witness every day how essential programs like SNAP and Medicaid serve as critical support systems. Many of the individuals and families we assist are not just seeking one-time emergency help — they’re working parents, seniors, veterans, and caregivers
trying to navigate the high cost of living in our region. For many, SNAP helps bridge the gap when housing, utilities, and childcare costs outpace income. Medicaid ensures access to medical care and prescriptions, helping families stay healthy without risking financial hardship.

The Senate bill proposes a reduction of approximately $900 billion to Medicaid and $200 billion in SNAP funding over the next decade. The SNAP reductions would likely result in lower monthly benefits for recipients and could make it harder for new applicants to qualify. For food banks like Long Island Cares — already experiencing higher demand — these reductions would place further strain on emergency food networks expected to fill the gap.

Under the new work requirements, certain adult SNAP recipients — including parents of school-aged children — would need to work at least 80 hours per month to maintain eligibility. During summer months, when school is out and affordable childcare is scarce, these
requirements could create added hardship for families without reliable support systems.

We recognize the importance of thoughtful fiscal policy. However, it is equally important to consider how these changes may affect vulnerable populations — including those already balancing multiple jobs, caregiving responsibilities, and rising costs of basic necessities. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the current version of the bill would add an estimated $3 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade, while simultaneously reducing support to essential social programs.

This issue is not theoretical for us. It directly impacts the communities we serve. Many of our clients fall within the ALICE population — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — and are working hard to remain self-sufficient in one of the most expensive regions in the country. These are our neighbors, colleagues, and friends.

At Long Island Cares, we are committed to stepping in where help is needed — but emergency food programs alone cannot replace the scale and consistency of federal support. Strong safety nets, like SNAP and Medicaid, are foundational to building a healthier, more food-secure Long Island.

In the tradition of our founder, Harry Chapin, we are dedicated to advocating for the public policy solutions required to end hunger in America once and for all. In this spirit, it is imperative we educate and mobilize the public on the ramifications of this flawed legislation which will undoubtedly create or exacerbate food insecurity for millions of low income Americans.

How You Can Help:

• Donate: Every $10 you give helps provide 12 meals to families in need.
• Volunteer: Help us distribute food, pack essentials, and support our programs across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
• Engage: Learn more about how public policy shapes food access and share your voice with your local representatives.

Behind every statistic is a real person, a real story, and a real need. At Long Island Cares, we remain dedicated to ensuring that no one on Long Island is left behind.