Alabama leaders call for congressional action on SNAP benefit cuts

Alabama leaders call for congressional action on SNAP benefit cuts

BESSEMER, Ala. —

Food leaders from Alabama, including the Alabama Grocers Association and the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, are calling on Congress to address rising food insecurity and the effects of cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that the national payment error rate for SNAP was well above the congressional threshold of 6%, citing a lack of state accountability. States with error rates above the threshold would be required to pay more of their benefits. Alabama leaders noted that the state’s error rate was among the lowest.

“We’re proponents of improving the accuracy rates, but we want to do this in a reasonable, rational way, giving the states two years to get these error rates under control,” said Michael Ledger, CEO of Feeding the Gulf Coast.

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Leaders emphasized that the bill currently in the Senate is not about seeking special treatment but ensuring equal treatment.

“Last year alone, SNAP generated an economic impact of over $3 billion in Alabama. Those dollars support grocery employees, food distributors, transportation networks, local farmers, businesses throughout the supply chain,” said Ellie Taylor, president and CEO of the Alabama Grocers Association.

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Under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed last year, SNAP eligibility requirements were tightened, requiring more adults to prove they work or volunteer to access benefits. Millions of Americans were expected to lose eligibility as a result.