Food Bank of Lincoln anticipates longer lines due to proposed SNAP cuts

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Food insecurity is a growing challenge for thousands of families across Nebraska, especially now that school is out.

And the proposed cuts to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could leave even more without access to food, according to the Food Bank of Lincoln.

More than 150,000 Nebraskans use SNAP to keep food on their tables.

“What we see and hear from neighbors right now is what I would say is waves of concerns,” said Michaella Kumke, the president and CEO of the Food Bank of Lincoln. “Folks don’t necessarily know what today’s news will be.”

The food bank is prepared to fill the gap, but it won’t be easy.

“What we would anticipate at the Food Bank of Lincoln is a ripple effect of impact,” Kumke said. “As fewer people become eligible for these benefits or are removed from such benefits, we know that means our food lines will increase.”

Advocates said the strain will be the most intense in rural areas and for working families already living paycheck to paycheck.

The Food Bank said without SNAP funding, many families will struggle with other necessary expenses like child care and cooling over the summer.

“If you’re in a family or person who’s dealing with a lot of questions marks in how you’re going to balance your household budget or how you’re going to put food on the table, these are real concerns that our neighbors have,” Kumke said.

She said people should reach out to Nebraska’s senators if they’re worried about the SNAP cuts.