SNAP and Medicaid. We’ve been hearing about these government support programs in the media daily these past few months, with their funding facing the chopping block. But what exactly do they do? And how do they serve our community members? Lets break it down:
- SNAP or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also known as “food stamps”) provides funds to individuals and families to purchase food on a monthly basis. As of April 2025, 73,665 Westchester residents relied on SNAP.
- Medicaid is a program funded jointly by the federal government and state governments that provides healthcare coverage to low income adults, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and adults with disabilities. In Westchester County, over 240,000 residents rely on Medicaid. For individuals who would not be able to get coverage by paying independently or through an employer, this program is a lifeline to ensuring all our residents receive the healthcare they need and deserve.
The residents who directly rely on these programs will be feeling the greatest burden of the funding cuts, but this burden is not falling on them alone. Programs such as our own here at 914Cares will feel the brunt of these cuts due to the increased reliance on our services.
While here at 914Cares we do not work directly with the public, the community partners we work with do. They are school districts, shelters, hospitals, community centers, and more who will be working to help the residents who have lost their benefits and are struggling financially. In turn, this need will trickle down to us. With families lacking the funding to buy food because they no longer have SNAP, the little income they have will be spread thinner. This will result in essential items like diapers, clothing, period products, and more being pushed further down the list of priorities when things such as rent, utilities, medical bills, and food costs remain.
For more information on these essential social services and the impact cuts would make, check out the links below!: