Through times of uncertainty, Valley Outreach has remained grounded in one approach: showing up for people. But even as our commitment remains constant, the systems that support the community are changing. Recent federal action on SNAP, including H.R. 1, has significant implications for the people we serve and for organizations like Valley Outreach.

The bottom line: food shelves cannot solve hunger alone. SNAP is a critical program to meet the needs the community. For every one meal provided by food shelves, SNAP provides nine.

What Is H.R. 1?

H.R. 1 is a federal budget reconciliation bill passed by Congress in July 2025 that includes sweeping changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is the nation’s largest and most effective anti-hunger program, helping millions of Americans afford groceries each month.

Under H.R. 1, SNAP will be reduced by $187 billion — roughly a 20% cut to the program’s budget by 2034. This represents the largest cut to SNAP in the program’s history.

The legislation also expands work reporting requirements and limits eligibility for certain populations, placing thousands of Minnesotans at risk of losing access to food assistance.

Who Will Be Impacted?

Approximately 27,600 Minnesotans will now be subject to SNAP time limits under H.R.1. This means they can only receive benefits for a short period — typically three months — unless they regularly document work hours or qualify for a limited exemption.

These changes will impact:

• 5,900 adults with children age 14 or older

• 12,700 adults without dependents, including seniors ages 55–65
• 9,000 vulnerable individuals who were previously exempt — including veterans, youth aging out of foster care, and people experiencing homelessness

Additionally, approximately 9,000 legally present immigrants in Minnesota may lose their current access to SNAP.

These changes introduce complicated reporting systems and additional paperwork requirements. Even individuals who are working sufficient hours may lose benefits due to administrative barriers, missed deadlines, or confusion navigating the process.

Why SNAP Matters

SNAP is Minnesota’s most effective hunger relief tool. As we mentioned above, for every one meal provided by food shelves, SNAP provides nine. While Valley Outreach offers essential food support, SNAP allows families to shop throughout the month, meet dietary needs, and maintain dignity and independence.

Cuts of this magnitude will increase pressure on food shelves, stretch donations further than ever, and force families into impossible financial decisions.

Hunger Relief Is a Nonpartisan Policy Issue

Valley Outreach will continue to show up for the community. Volunteers will continue to serve. Donors will continue to give. But we cannot fundraise our way out of an $187 billion federal reduction.

Hunger relief is not a gap for nonprofits to fill on their own — it is a policy issue. Effective public programs like SNAP are essential infrastructure in the fight against food insecurity. Without strong state and federal support, local nonprofits bear the burden of a federal safety net they were never designed to replace.

Moving Forward

Protecting access to food requires partnership between nonprofits, community members, and policymakers. Strong public programs and strong community organizations work best together.

At Valley Outreach, we will continue serving and advocating for the families who rely on both SNAP and our programs. You can help by:

• Advocate: Sign up for Action Alerts from The Food Group and contact your state and federal representatives
• Volunteer: Contribute your time and volunteer at Valley Outreach
• Donate: Make a donation
• Learn more about SNAP: Spread the word about the full impact of cuts to SNAP in Minnesota.