The Big Beautiful Bill Explained

The Impact of the Big Beautiful Bill on Hunger Relief and Food Banks

What the new legislation means for SNAP, Medicaid, and food insecurity in our communities.

What Is the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a new federal law that makes sweeping changes to key programs that support millions of Americans, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid. While some aspects of the bill focus on tax and agricultural provisions, the most significant impact for food banks and hunger relief organizations comes from the $186 billion cut to SNAP over 10 years.

These changes mean less support for struggling families, and more pressure on food banks like Long Island Cares to fill the gap.

How Will This Law Affect Food Banks?

SNAP cuts will increase demand on food banks nationwide, as families lose access to benefits or see their benefits reduced. Long Island Cares already serves tens of thousands of neighbors every month, and with these new restrictions, we expect:

• More families turning to emergency food assistance due to reduced SNAP benefits.
• Increased strain on resources—food banks will need to distribute more food with fewer federal supports.
• Greater demand for donations and volunteers to meet rising hunger needs.

Key Changes to SNAP

The bill introduces multiple changes that limit eligibility, reduce benefit growth, and add stricter work requirements:

• $186 billion SNAP cuts over 10 years.
• Expanded work requirements, now including parents of children over 14, veterans, and adults aged 55–64.
• Time limits on benefits for formerly exempt groups, such as veterans and homeless individuals.
• End of SNAP-Ed funding by October 1, 2025, which affects nutrition education.
• Increased state costs: By 2027, states will begin paying up to 15% of SNAP benefits, a historic shift in program funding.
• Restrictions on energy assistance and utility deductions that reduce benefit amounts for households.

Healthcare and Medicaid Cuts

The Big Beautiful Bill also significantly impacts healthcare access:

• $930 billion cut to Medicaid funding over 10 years—the largest in the program’s history.
• An estimated 8 million people will lose Medicaid coverage by 2034.
• Mandatory work requirements for Medicaid recipients aged 19–64, with no waivers allowed, risking coverage loss for vulnerable individuals.

Tax and Agriculture Changes

While some changes aim to increase farm funding and crop insurance:

• The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is extended permanently.
• Child Tax Credit increases to $2,200 per child, but new restrictions disqualify 4.5 million children of U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents if their parents lack Social Security numbers.
• TEFAP Farm to Food Bank Projects receive extended funding—$4 million per year through 2031.

Timeline of Major Changes

• Immediately: Future adjustments to SNAP’s Thrifty Food Plan are restricted, limiting benefit increases.
• Effective Now: New work requirements, refugee/asylee restrictions, and utility cost changes begin.
• October 1, 2025: SNAP-Ed funding ends.
• October 1, 2026: States’ administrative cost sharing for SNAP rises to 75%.
• October 2027: States begin paying up to 15% of SNAP benefits, based on error rates.

What We’re Doing About It

At Long Island Cares, we are:

• Mobilizing local, state, and national coalitions to advocate for hunger relief and fair access to nutrition programs.
• Increasing food distribution and partnerships to meet growing community needs.
• Educating our community on the impact of federal policies like the Big Beautiful Bill on food insecurity.

How You Can Help

Your support is now more crucial than ever:

• Donate: Every $1 helps us provide food and resources to neighbors in need.
• Advocate: Contact your representatives to support hunger relief programs.
• Volunteer: Help us distribute food and serve the growing number of families who depend on us.