D.C. Hunger Solutions Decries House Passage of Harmful Budget Bill That Takes Away Food Assistance
Media Contact:
Colleen Barton
cbarton@frac.org
703-203-7843
Statement attributable to LaMonika Jones, director, D.C. Hunger Solutions
WASHINGTON, July 8, 2025 – Last week, the House of Representatives voted 218–214 to pass the Senate’s harmful budget reconciliation bill, which includes slashing food assistance. This is a devastating blow to the more than 140,000 D.C. residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table. It is heartbreaking to see Congress advance legislation that strips families of the basic supports that uphold their independence and dignity while offering tax breaks to billionaires. This bill is a betrayal of the communities we serve. The bill was signed into law by President Trump on July 4.
Despite widespread warnings from anti-hunger advocates, health care professionals, faith-based organizations, and people with lived experience, House leaders chose to ignore the human and economic cost of this legislation.
The bill requires local jurisdictions to fund a share of SNAP benefits starting in 2028 — an unprecedented move that could strain already tight budgets. Based on fiscal year (FY) 2024 data, the District of Columbia could qualify for a one-time delay of SNAP cost-sharing implementation until FY 2030 due to its high error rate, if similar levels persist in FY 2025 or FY 2026.
As the District continues to grapple with a $1 billion budget shortfall over the next three years, in addition to $1.1 billion created when Congress failed to approve the FY 2025 funding level, government agencies cannot afford the impacts of increased costs to administer SNAP and other federal programs. We will see higher rates of hunger and health care costs, and children could lose access to school meals and Summer EBT/SUN Bucks. Local grocery stores and the regional economy will also suffer as SNAP benefits are reduced or eliminated.
The budget reconciliation bill also includes stricter work requirements and a rollback of exemptions once protected by ABAWD (able-bodied adults without dependents) waivers. Those already struggling to make ends meet will now have an even tougher time as they may no longer be eligible for SNAP or will have their benefits reduced and will be forced to make impossible decisions, such as paying to keep the lights on or paying for food.
D.C. Hunger Solutions urges local leaders, community organizations, and residents to join together. We will not be silent. This fight is far from over. We stand committed to building a D.C. that is free from hunger.”
If residents are struggling with food access, there are several resources available:
- D.C. Hunger Solutions: Offers help with SNAP applications and locating emergency food resources. Please call 202-640-1088, email us at info@dchunger.org, or visit DC Hunger Solutions.
- DC SUN Bucks: Families with school-age children 5–18 years old can receive $120 in summer grocery benefits. Apply or check eligibility at sunbucks.dc.gov.
- DC Youth Meals Program offers free meals for youth age 18 and under at over 100 sites across the city. Find a meal site by ward at https://osse.dc.gov/dcyouthmeals.
###
D.C. Hunger Solutions is an initiative of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). We work to create a hunger-free community and improve the nutrition, health, economic security, and well-being of low-income District residents. To learn more, visit www.dchunger.org.