Don’t Let Congress Gut the Programs Our Communities Rely On

Right now, Congress is considering a massive budget reconciliation package—and it’s bad news for millions of Americans. The deal would slash funding for programs that help families put food on the table, keep small businesses afloat, and invest in the long-term health of our communities. The process is kicking off in earnest this week, with House Agriculture and other committees meeting Tuesday, May 13.

At the James Beard Foundation, we believe that food is more than a meal—it’s lifelines, jobs, cultures, and connections. And the programs being cut are critical to all of those things.

SNAP Is on the Chopping Block

Among the biggest proposed cuts? The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps more than 40 million people afford groceries every month. That includes working parents, seniors, veterans, and yes—restaurant workers. SNAP is one of the most effective tools we have to fight hunger. Cutting it would be devastating.

Chefs know what hunger looks like. They know the people who come through their doors and into their kitchens. And they know that when people can’t afford food, our whole food system suffers—from the farmer to the line cook to the local restaurant.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently found that most counties in America will lose under this package, especially if Congress slashes SNAP to fund tax breaks for the wealthy. It’s a backwards approach that hurts the people who make our food system and communities work.

This Package Doesn’t “Trim Fat”—It Guts the Essentials

This isn’t just about SNAP. The package would also weaken programs that support small businesses, education, healthcare, clean water, and rural development. These aren’t “extras.” They’re the building blocks of strong communities—and strong restaurants.

It’s Time to Speak Up

Chefs have a voice—and a platform. Let’s use it. Tell Congress that gutting essential programs is unacceptable, and that cutting SNAP is an attack on the people who grow, cook, serve, and eat the food that fuels this country.

Here are ways you can take action right now:

• Call or email your member of Congress. If you would like to send an email directly to your member of Congress, you can use this pre-populated message from FRAC. If you would like to call your member directly, you can call the Capitol Hill switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and they will connect you directly.

• Show the impact. Use this state-by-state fact sheet to show how SNAP helps people where you live and work.

• Learn more and spread the word. Read this one-page explainer on what’s in the budget package and how it threatens federal nutrition programs.

• Share your story on Social Media. Tell your community, your customers, and your social networks what these cuts would mean and why we defeat this reconciliation package.

This is a moment for all of us to speak together—with strength, clarity, and purpose. Our elected leaders need to hear from us. They need to understand what’s at stake. And they need to do the right thing.

Let’s make sure they do.