SNAP

As the U.S. House of Representatives debates President Donald Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill Act," a coalition of faith-based groups in Florida are making a last-minute plea to the state's Republican-dominated congressional delegation to vote against it because of the deep proposed federal funding cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Congress is close to cutting at least $200 billion from SNAP over 10 years and shifting some of the remaining costs to states. A single mom in Tampa says that would impact her ability to feed her kids.

Michelle Mastrototaro worries about her family, especially her special needs teen, as lawmakers debate the "Big, Beautiful Bill." She and other foes of the plan made their case at a media event in Tallahassee.

The AP-NORC survey of 1,158 adults shows most don't think the government is overspending on the programs Republicans in Congress have focused on cutting.

House Republicans recently passed their version that would make historic cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Debate over the measure now moves to the Senate.

The changes, which would take effect in the fiscal year beginning October 2027, would help offset the GOP's proposed $4.9 trillion in federal tax cuts.

The Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" platform has boosted the agenda of a conservative think tank that's been working for more than a decade to reshape the nation's public assistance programs.

Cuts to the grocery assistance program could undermine Fresh Access Bucks, which has been successful at addressing nutritional food deserts and supporting local growers.

Eight South Florida chefs are joining more than 150 nationwide in urging Congress to protect children from going hungry. They are speaking out against proposed deep cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, which helps low-income families buy groceries.

Broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) is a provision under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that eases income requirements and considers monthly household expenses when determining eligibility for the grocery benefit.

In Florida, it’s estimated that around one million children and more than 1,000 schools could lose access to free meals if changes to the Community Eligibility Provision are adopted.

Around 100,000 Pinellas County residents received SNAP benefits last year. The outcome of ongoing federal budget negotiations could change that.