Tens of millions of Americans rely on federal food assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

In North Carolina, about 15% of the population receives such aid.

But some Democrats have warned future funding for SNAP may not be enough under the Republican-led Farm Bill.

What You Need To Know

  • Tens of millions of Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

  • SNAP funding comes from the Farm Bill

  • Some Democrats are worried about the Republican-led Farm Bill will not provide enough money for SNAP

“SNAP is a big concern of mine,” said Rep. Alma Adams, a North Carolina Democrat.

Last week, the Farm Bill, which funds SNAP benefits, advanced out of the House Committee on Agriculture.

The left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities warns the bill would create a $30 billion shortfall in SNAP funding over the next decade. In North Carolina, that would result in a shortfall of more than a billion dollars over six years, starting in 2027.

“We’re talking about $6 a day, $2 a meal. I just don’t think people should be penalized because they are poor. And that’s what we continue to see," Adams said. "We need to have more compassion for people who no fault of their own find themselves in situations like this.” 

Nationwide, according to the most recent numbers, SNAP recipients receive an average of $230 a month, and in North Carolina it’s $231.

Republicans defend the legislation and have said SNAP spending would increase, but only based on inflation.

“SNAP benefits will continue to rise and respond to inflation. Unfortunately, I’ve learned my Democratic colleagues were led to believe otherwise,” said Rep. Glenn Thompson, a Pennsylvania Republican who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture.

Critics have said basing funding on inflation alone leaves out other factors like changing shopping patterns.

Despite the criticism, the bill did get bipartisan support in the committee.

Four Democrats, including North Carolina Democrat Rep. Don Davis, voted in support.

“I’m voting for this legislation, believing it’s the beginning of bipartisan legislation that will protect producers and food insecure families and provide them with a strong safety net. There’s much more work ahead of us to deliver the strongest bipartisan bill that American families, rural communities, and eastern North Carolina deserve,” Davis said in a statement after the vote.

The only North Carolina Republican on the committee, Rep. David Rouzer, supported the bill.

“This legislation strengthens rural economies across the country, incentivizes work, and maintains vital nutrition assistance for those who truly need it while enhancing work opportunities so they aren’t trapped on welfare," Rouzer said in a statement after the vote.

The bill now advances to the full House.

Congress already failed to pass the five-year Farm Bill last year but instead passed a one-year extension.

The new deadline to act is Sept. 30.

The current bill before the House is unlikely to get enough Democratic support in the Senate.

The Senate has not introduced its version of the Farm Bill.