SNAP benefits refer to the federal funding given to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is America’s largest anti-hunger program. It provides monthly food benefits to low-income individuals and families to help them afford nutritious food, supporting health, food security, and the economy.
As of July 4, 2025, the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ has passed. Because of this bill’s contents, legislation will reduce SNAP funding by approximately $186 billion over 10 years. This is a 20% cut that marks the largest reduction in the history of the program.
EGRHS and other places around Grand Rapids, such as Kids’ Food Basket, are working overtime to compensate for these SNAP cuts that are happening.
“Due to SNAP benefits being cut, to bridge the gap, in the last two weeks, we have added extra packing shifts,” Emily Lange, Volunteer Experience Coordinator at Kids Food Basket, said.
“This looks similar to what we do for school breaks. We make ‘special big bags’ [which have] about triple the amount of items that come in our standard sack suppers. All of these are shelf-stable, so they last as long as they need to, so the kids just have those extra items at home. [These ‘special big bags’ are being made] on top of all of our normal weekend meals and sack supper programs,” Lange continued.
KFB is producing about 13,200 extra ‘special big bags’ a week for the SNAP response, attempting and succeeding in making a tremendous impact on the community.
This December as well, EGRHS is continuing to partner with Arbor Circle to host a food drive for families in need.
“Arbor Circle provides wraparound services to families,” Joe Meston, math teacher and student council advisor, said.
According to Meston, these include tailored mental health support, financial services, and food assistance designed to meet each family’s specific needs.
“Our Food Drive directly supports their mission of creating stable, safe, and dignified living environments for West Michigan families,” Meston continued.
“With [these] recent interruptions to SNAP benefits, this work is more important than ever, and our community support helps fill a very real and immediate gap,” Meston said.
These SNAP cuts are greatly affecting people all over our country, and it is important that we, as a school and a community, do what is possible to help.
“Every donation makes a meaningful difference in the lives of local families. This is a powerful opportunity for students to see how their small actions can have a direct and tangible impact on their community. By participating [in the food drive and other SNAP response programs], students live out our school’s mission of excellence, humility, and service.” Meston concluded.
