Alabama food banks concerned following SNAP program changes

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Lines at food pantries across the state will only get longer as a result of federal cuts to the SNAP program, according to Feeding Alabama. But, some leaders said the food assistance program needed an overhaul.

“[We] know that this is a community issue, and hope that the community comes alongside us to make sure that our neighbors are getting fed,” said Nicole Williams, CEO of the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.

Williams said her foodbank serves about 250,000 of those neighbors who struggle with food insecurity. And, with changes to the SNAP program, Williams is concerned that number will increase. She doesn’t know how the state will come up with the $172 million she says they need to keep the program going as is.

“More folks not being eligible for certain programs that help with that. It does put a big burden on food banks and other nonprofits to support people in the community,” said Williams.

Williams explained the SNAP eligibility requirements have also changed for seniors and children. But, former Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill said updating these requirements ensures people can get out of generational poverty.

“We also want to make sure that, when people are having a hard time, that their needs are able to be met,” said Merrill. “But, understanding that there’s still an obligation from them to those people that are providing those resources, in order to move forward.”

Still, the CEO of Feeding Alabama, Laura Lester, said otherwise.

“There are going to be very real-world implications,” she remarked. “Of what’s going to happen to families in Alabama, to farmers, to grocers, to our economy, to entire communities.”

Lester said for every meal provided by a local food bank, the SNAP program provides nine. She also said they went from distributing 61 million pounds of food in 2019, to around 90 million pounds in 2024.