skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Despite higher food insecurity, House Farm Bill would cut SNAP benefits

play audio
Play

Tuesday, May 28, 2024   

Food insecurity is up in Nebraska and most parts of the country, according to the nonprofit Feeding America but the U.S. House Agriculture Committee's 2024 Farm Bill includes significant cuts to the Supplemental Food Assistance Program.

The House proposal would remove a 2018 Farm Bill requirement for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reassess the cost for a frugal, healthy meal every five years to update its Thrifty Food Plan , which is used to determine benefit levels.

Eric Savaiano, Food and Nutrition Access program manager for Nebraska Appleseed, said it would prevent the USDA from considering market forces, what foods people actually buy and how much time they have to prepare them.

"If they remove the ability of USDA to make these changes, we will lose more and more touch with the actual habits and patterns of buying things in American society," Savaiano contended. "SNAP will not keep up with that, and likely result in people having fewer benefits."

Before the 2018 Farm Bill, the USDA had not updated the actual cost of meals in its Thrifty Food Plan since 1975 and SNAP recipients received only inflation-related cost-of-living increases. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the House proposal would amount to a $30 billion cut to SNAP over the next 10 years. Nebraska could lose as much as $110 million in SNAP benefits between 2027 and 2033.

Savaiano stressed the effect of the House's recommended changes would worsen over time. He pointed out with food insecurity up 37% in Nebraska -- and even more for children and Black and Hispanic families -- it is a good thing they would not feel the changes immediately. He added for those with children, there are helpful programs available this summer.

"The summer nutrition programs that were just authorized," Savaiano noted. "Nebraska is going to be hosting Summer EBT this year, which gives families a small boost to spend on groceries; opportunities to get food boxes and things like that."

Savaiano added the Senate version of the 2024 Farm Bill does not include cuts to the SNAP program, so there's a chance the House cuts will not make it into the final bill.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021