‘It’s really going to hurt’: Lehigh Valley food banks prepare for Trump’s SNAP cuts

A federal budget bill that includes a $267 billion reduction to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, funding over the next 10 years passed through Congress on May 22 as part of President Donald Trump’s broader plan to reduce government spending.

The legislation represents an estimated 30% cut to the program.

All members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation voted in favor of the bill.

The measure shifts financial responsibility for SNAP to the states. Under the new structure, states would be expected to cover 5% of SNAP benefit costs and about 75% of the program’s administrative expenses. Currently, SNAP is fully federally funded.

In Pennsylvania, the program provides approximately $365 million in monthly support. Seventeen percent of Lehigh County residents and 11% of Northampton County residents receive assistance through SNAP.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa., who represents Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley region, said he supported the bill because he believes it provides relief to working families.

“This budget delivers real relief for seniors and working families, secures our border, and reins in reckless spending,” Mackenzie said in a statement. “We’re delivering tax relief, boosting take-home pay, and improving the vitality and efficiency of critical programs. These are the commonsense solutions that people across the Greater Lehigh Valley are counting on.”

‘A fundamental change’

Some state officials have expressed concern about the potential impact of the proposed changes on Pennsylvania residents.

“Any changes to SNAP that require states to share a portion of the funding would be a fundamental change to how this program has been structured for over 60 years and would threaten food assistance for nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians,” said Brandon Cwalina, press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. “This federal investment is helping people eat, lowers health care costs in Medicaid, supports our farmers and agricultural economy, and offsets strain on the charitable food network.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro also responded to the bill on Bluesky, stating that the changes could lead to reductions in health care access and food assistance across the state.

“Every single Republican member of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation voted to cut health care and food assistance from hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians and speed up the closure of dozens of rural hospitals across our commonwealth — all while increasing our national deficit by $2.3 trillion,” Shapiro wrote.

‘We’re going to have less’

In Bethlehem, local food banks are already seeing increased demand, according to community organizers.

Connie Pierce, co-coordinator of the Central Moravian Church Food Pantry, said she has observed both rising need and dwindling supplies in recent months.

“We’re going to see more people. They’re going to have greater needs. And we’re going to have less,” Pierce said. “What’s going to happen is we’re going to have to be very creative, and everybody’s concerned about that.”

The food pantry, which receives donations from Second Harvest Food Bank of Nazareth and local church members, serves about 700 households each month. It operates as a “choice pantry,” allowing clients to select the items they need. Pierce said her team is preparing for a potential budget shortfall by applying for more grants and using pantry savings.

According to Second Harvest, the number of individuals it serves in Lehigh County and northeastern Pennsylvania increased from 62,000 a month in 2024 to more than 100,000 per month this year.

Cwalina said communities such as Bethlehem would likely see fewer resources if the changes go into effect.

“Any potential SNAP changes and cuts would lead to fewer resources for those who need the most help,” he said. “SNAP cuts would hurt Pennsylvania families, farmers, food banks, and our commonwealth’s economy, which relies significantly on agriculture.”

Pierce said she holds elected officials accountable for the challenges that may arise at food assistance organizations.

“This administration saves money by not investing in it, but it’s really going to hurt the lower middle class,” she said. “I was talking to a fellow today who was saying he has things stockpiled for three months, and after that, he’s not going to be able to — he needs help.”

Mackenzie reaffirmed his support for the bill, emphasizing its focus on economic relief.

“This is about putting working families first — making life more affordable, our country more secure, and our government more responsible,” he said. “I’ll keep fighting to deliver the change that the people of the Greater Lehigh Valley are counting on.”

Pierce said she writes Mackenzie letters several times a week inviting him to visit the food pantry and meet constituents. She said she has received letters from his office stating he will “take into consideration” her thoughts.