Report on the Impact of Proposed SNAP Cuts by Montana Food Bank Network

Introduction

The Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN), the only statewide food bank in Montana, has expressed serious concerns regarding the proposed budget reconciliation bill. This bill threatens to significantly weaken the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a critical support system for thousands of Montanans and millions of Americans. The potential changes pose a direct challenge to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger, as well as SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 1: No Poverty.

Current Situation and Importance of SNAP

• MFBN operates through a network of 330 partners statewide, reporting an 11.9% increase in food assistance demand.
• SNAP plays a vital role in feeding families, sustaining small businesses, and strengthening rural communities.
• In 2024, SNAP contributed $158 million to Montana’s economy, supporting SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Concerns Regarding Proposed Legislative Changes

1. Reduction in SNAP Benefits and Increased Administrative Burdens
   • Proposals include permanent structural changes to SNAP and billions of dollars in cuts over the next decade.
   • Approximately 30,000 Montanans risk losing partial or full food assistance, affecting vulnerable groups including children, seniors, veterans, working families, and people with disabilities.
   • These changes undermine SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
2. Impact on Rural and Medically Underserved Communities
   • Montana’s medically underserved counties face limited access to nutritious food.
   • Older adults may have to choose between medication and food; parents between rent and groceries; children could lose access to free school meals.
   • This threatens progress towards SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
3. Senate Proposal Specifics
   • Capping future updates to the Thrifty Food Plan reduces benefit value over time.
   • Shifting 75% of administrative costs to state agencies, up from 50%, without additional resources.
   • Likely results include cuts to other essential services or reduced food assistance access, impacting SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
4. Work Requirements and Time Limits
   • Strict work or volunteer requirements do not account for rural job market realities, transportation, and health barriers.
   • Penalizing individuals for uncontrollable circumstances will exacerbate hunger rather than alleviate it.
   • This conflicts with SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Call to Action and Conclusion

Hunger is a solvable issue that transcends political divisions. MFBN emphasizes that protecting and strengthening SNAP is essential for lifting entire communities, supporting local grocers, farmers, and the broader Montana economy, aligning with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

MFBN urges Montana’s congressional delegation and all members of Congress to:

• Reject the proposed harmful cuts to SNAP.
• Invest in a stronger, more resilient nutrition safety net.
• Support the health and well-being of Montana and the nation.

Building a future where no Montanan faces food insecurity is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring equitable, sustainable development.

Kiera Condon, Advocacy Specialist at Montana Food Bank Network

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article focuses on hunger, food assistance, and nutrition, directly relating to SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • By addressing food insecurity and the economic impact of SNAP benefits, the article connects to SDG 1, which aims to end poverty in all its forms.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article highlights the health implications of hunger, such as older adults having to choose between medication and food, linking to SDG 3.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • By mentioning the impact of SNAP on local economies and small businesses, the article relates to SDG 8.
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article discusses the disproportionate effects on rural and underserved communities, connecting to SDG 10.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
   • Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition, including achieving targets on stunted and wasted children under 5 years of age.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children living in poverty in all its dimensions.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to essential medicines and nutrition.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, and entrepreneurship.
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 2
   • Prevalence of undernourishment or food insecurity in the population (implied by the reported 11.9% increase in food assistance need and the number of people at risk of losing SNAP benefits).
   • Access to free school meals for children (implied as a measure of nutritional support).
2. Indicator for SDG 1
   • Proportion of population living below the national poverty line (implied by the economic hardship described).
3. Indicator for SDG 3
   • Access to essential medicines and nutrition (implied by older adults choosing between medication and food).
4. Indicator for SDG 8
   • Economic contribution of SNAP benefits to local economies (e.g., $158 million in Montana in 2024).
5. Indicator for SDG 10
   • Access to food assistance in rural and medically underserved areas (implied by discussion of barriers such as transportation and health issues).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: whitefishpilot.com