Catholic Charities USA Calls on Congress to Say No to Drastic SNAP Cuts

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Sep 19, 2013, 04:59 ET

Potential impact of $40 billion in cuts devastating to at-risk populations

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), calls on members of Congress to vote against the proposed drastic cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps.

"We, as faith-based social service providers, call on you to fulfill your responsibility as policymakers to ensure access to the most basic and fundamental necessity: food," said Father Snyder in an open letter to Members of Congress. "While we recognize that our nation's budget situation requires difficult decisions to be made, those most at risk should not bear the brunt of deficit reduction."

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimated the proposed $40 billion in cuts to SNAP could cause as many as 3.8 million Americans to lose the support they currently receive, threatening their access to nutritious and affordable food. To those who rely on SNAP to support themselves and their families, the letter said, "the loss of this invaluable support would be devastating."

Father Snyder has also encouraged the leaders of Catholic Charities member agencies across the country to contact their Congressional representatives and share how the severe cuts would harm the individuals and families they see at their doors every day who rely on the program for assistance. Last year alone, Catholic Charities agencies provided over 6.5 million individuals with hunger-related social services, including food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, or meals delivered to the homebound.

About Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities USA is the national office for Catholic Charities agencies nationwide. Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 10 million people a year regardless of their religious, social, or economic background. To learn more about CCUSA, please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA