NMHCA News:
SANTA FE — On the 61st anniversary of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham reaffirmed New Mexico’s commitment to protecting families despite deep cuts to the program under the Republican reconciliation law.
“For sixty-one years, the SNAP program has been one of the most effective tools we have to fight hunger and poverty,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said. “It keeps children nourished so they can learn, helps older adults stay healthy and allows working families to focus on getting ahead instead of worrying about their next meal.
“Sadly, the budget cuts approved by the Republican Congress and signed into law by President Trump threaten to devastate the program in New Mexico. We will do everything in our power to protect New Mexicans and help them keep food on their tables, but states simply can’t absorb budget cuts of this magnitude.”
About 458,000 New Mexicans rely on SNAP each month. Beyond feeding families, the program strengthens the state’s economy, returning up to $1.80 in economic activity for every $1 spent.
A federal budget bill, H.R. 1, signed by Trump on July 4, slashed about $186 billion in SNAP funding through 2034, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. The budget shifts a larger share of SNAP administrative costs to states, raising their portion to 75% from 50%. For New Mexico taxpayers, that means an additional $47 million annual obligation. The measure also eliminates $5.2 million in federal nutrition education funding and imposes additional work requirements for some SNAP households.
“SNAP has been a bipartisan success story for six decades because it works: it reduces hunger, alleviates the burden of poverty, improves health and academic outcomes, and strengthens communities,” Health Care Authority Secretary Kari Armijo said. “The Health Care Authority sees the faces behind the statistics, and we will explore all of our options to help the families who need it most.”
The Lujan Grisham administration is currently assessing its options for mitigating harm from the congressional cuts to SNAP, including the possibility of appropriating state funds to help bridge the funding gap.
SNAP began as the Food Stamp Act signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. Today it is the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, serving more than 40 million Americans annually.
SNAP remains available to families in need. While some households may see changes in the future, New Mexicans are encouraged to apply at YES.NM.GOV, by phone at 1.800.283.4465, or in person at any Health Care Authority Income Support Division office.