“Bread for the World welcomes the end of the government shutdown and urges the immediate resumption of SNAP and other federal nutrition benefits. The shutdown shed a spotlight on the importance of SNAP to millions of families, including 16 million children served by the program, as well as farmers, grocery stores, food processors and other providers, across the United States. The coming funding cuts to the program will have a devastating ripple effect on families and communities in every corner of the country.

“Bread has urged Congress to end the shutdown and ensure benefits for SNAP, WIC, and other federal nutrition programs reach the families who depend on them.

“Bread further recognizes the nexus between food security and access to adequate healthcare.  Decisions made earlier this year could lead to major reductions in adequate healthcare and food assistance. We encourage Congress on both sides of the aisle to act in good faith in continued FY 2026 appropriations negotiations and ensure that essential resources and services are available and affordable for all Americans.

“Bread also welcomes passage of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which funds Food for Peace and the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program though fiscal year 2026. Both are critical international nutrition assistance programs which have saved tens of millions of lives and advance U.S. interests. In 2023, Food for Peace provided emergency aid and nutrition assistance to over 45 million people in 35 countries. That same year, McGovern-Dole fed nutritious school meals to more than 2.5 million food-insecure children in 34 countries.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,’ (Matthew 25:35 – NRSVUE).”

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Seeds of Hope for Kentucky is hosted by Bread for the World, a Christian anti-hunger advocacy organization, in collaboration with the Presbyterian Hunger Program, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Coleman Crest Farms, Henson Media, and BSK Theological Seminary.

“The conference comes at a critical time. Like much of the country, food insecurity in the Commonwealth is a significant issue. Which is why we are hosting Seeds of Hope for Kentucky,” said Rev. Heather Taylor, managing director of Bread for the World. “Now, with the government shutdown, it could get significantly worse as funding for federal nutrition programs like SNAP runs out. If this happens, tens of thousands of families in the Commonwealth, including children, will go hungry. On top of the government shutdown, we have new SNAP work requirements and funding cuts coming into play that will make it even more difficult for struggling families in Kentucky to put food on the table over the long term. Now is the time to act.”

Kentuckians are more likely to struggle putting food on the table than the average American. This reflects food insecurity, where households may resort to buying more affordable but less healthy foods, eating smaller meals, or skipping meals altogether. In 2023, Kentucky’s food insecurity rate was 14.5 percent compared to the national average of 13.5 percent.

State and federal officials have warned that more than 600,000 Kentuckians who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also known as food stamps) will not receive their monthly benefits on November 1 if the shutdown continues or other funding sources are not found.

“I get to hear firsthand, from people all over the southeast, how a lack of a living wage causes them to have to make really hard decisions for their families” said Florence French Fagan, senior regional organizer at Bread for the World. “Working families across Kentucky are struggling to feed their children. Poverty is a root cause of hunger in the Commonwealth, and across the nation. I am so incredibly grateful that constituents made the decision to attend the Seeds of Hope for Kentucky conference today. Their voices make a difference and their willingness to learn how to build meaningful relationship with their senators and members of Congress matter.”

Staff from both of Kentucky’s U.S. senators’ offices are attending the event, as well as staff from several of Kentucky’s U.S. House of Representatives delegation. Governor Andy Beshear is opening the conference with a taped welcome message. The conference also includes discussions about the impact funding cuts to federal nutrition programs will have on food insecurity in the Commonwealth, the state of food relief efforts, and the importance of advocacy to address hunger.

Quotes from Participating Organizations

“As a scholar and faith leader deeply engaged in questions of justice and the American moral crisis, I am honored to support Seeds of Hope for Kentucky. This gathering reflects the best of our public witness—people of faith, policy leaders, and community advocates coming together to confront the scandal of hunger in our state. Nearly one million Kentuckians struggle to feed their families, and this conference reminds us that ending hunger is not merely a policy goal but a moral and spiritual mandate. Events like Seeds of Hope embody the kind of collaborative, justice-centered work we seek to cultivate through the Institute for Black Church Studies: a movement of faith communities committed to courage, compassion, and systemic change.” Dr. Lewis Brogdon, Executive Director, Institute for Black Church Studies, BSK Theological Seminary

“I am honored to partner with Bread for the World and others to bring this important conversation about food, nutrition and hunger to Kentucky. Families are struggling to feed their children, farmers are struggling to maintain their family farms, and our communities must come alongside and care for them as they also advocate for better policies and better protections for our children and families.” Rev. Sharon Felton, Congregational Advocacy Manager, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

“We are in a critical time of great concern. People who are already food insecure are becoming ever more desperate for nutrition and food support. The government shutdown imperils state’s ability to pay SNAP benefits starting next month, and the overall cuts made in recent federal spending bills to SNAP and other benefits for those who live with hunger and poverty. Hunger is rising and will continue to rise unless we do something to avert the drastic increase. Standing together, learning about the current realities of hunger and finding ways to take effective action are vital in this moment. I believe that this Seeds of Hope event will be a chance to do those things that are necessary in this time to keep momentum going to end hunger in our communities.” Rev. Rebecca Barnes, Manager, Presbyterian Hunger Program, Interim Unified Agency, Presbyterian Church (USA)

Photos of the event are available. If you are interested in obtaining a photo for media use or interviewing a participant, please contact Chris Ford at cford@bread.org or 202-688-1077.

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“Government shutdowns often have a negative impact on working families with children, at-risk seniors, people with disabilities, and others facing food insecurity. But the loss of SNAP benefits will be devastating. Approximately 42 million people, including 16 million children, rely on SNAP every month. This is the first time in the history of the program that SNAP recipients will not receive their monthly benefits.

“It is not just SNAP recipients who will be harmed if funding is not made available. Grocery stores, farmers, food processors, and the people who work for them, will also be impacted.

“Food banks across the country are already warning they will not be able to keep up with the demand if SNAP benefits run out. This means tens of millions of people will have nowhere to turn, and children will go hungry.

“Throughout the Bible, we are called on to care for our neighbors in need. And as the wealthiest country in history we cannot stand by and let this happen.

“Bread for the World thanks Senator Josh Hawley for his thoughtful bill, the Keep SNAP Funded Act, which would help fund SNAP during this crisis and future ones. Funding for the bill would come from general U.S. Treasury funds that have not been allocated for any other purpose. We also appreciate the bipartisan support this bill has already received.

“Bread urges Democrats and Republicans to work together to address the looming SNAP funding cliff. We also urge the USDA to take all available steps to fund the program through the shutdown. For the sake of the tens of millions of Americans unsure of where their next meal will come from after November 1, we pray they will be able to prevent it from happening. 

“Ultimately, we need lawmakers to come together and negotiate an end to the government shutdown.”

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“Bread for the World urges members of Congress to restore funding for Feed the Future Innovation Labs, a network of U.S. universities researching innovative ways to feed the world and position the United States as a leader in global food security and research.  

“Housed and led by U.S. universities, Feed the Future Innovation Labs have helped advance solutions to reduce global hunger and malnutrition. The knowledge gained by the labs has led to game-changing breakthroughs, including developing crops that can grow in harsh growing conditions, improving livestock resilience to disease, and strengthening the resiliency of aquatic food systems.”

Earlier this year, the White House cut off almost all funding for the innovation labs, forcing the vast majority of labs to close. On October 1, the White House cancelled the remaining $72 million in federal funding for the labs as a part of its “pocket rescission” of nearly $5 billion in international assistance. Senate Republicans had spared the $72 million for innovation lab funding from the White House’s first rescissions package in July.

Before the White House cancelled funding for the program, innovation labs were based in more than 80 universities across the United States. While a few innovation labs have been able to sustain or resume operations thanks to private donations and funding from individual universities, most remain closed down.

The innovation lab program has enjoyed broad, bipartisan support among members of Congress. Every $1 invested in the program has resulted in an $8 return in investment for U.S. taxpayers.

“Innovation lab research breakthroughs, as well as the education the labs provided, have enabled numerous communities around the world to become self-sufficient. The knowledge gained in innovation labs have also greatly benefitted U.S. farmers and growers who were able to apply that knowledge, as well as the communities the labs were based in.

“The defunding of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab network will have adverse ramifications both in the U.S. and globally. Bread urges Congress to restore funding for this consequential program.”

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“Bread for the World urges members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to come together in good faith to end the government shutdown. The proposed continuing resolution must be duly considered, while members also seek to address the devastating impact of recent Medicaid cuts on families. Extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits has bipartisan support in both houses of Congress, and many lawmakers are concerned about the impact of recent cuts on their constituents.

“Government shutdowns often have a devastating impact on people who struggle to put food on the table, including working families with children, at-risk seniors, people with disabilities, and others facing food insecurity as funding for SNAP, WIC, school meals, and other nutrition assistance programs runs out.

“Government shutdowns are especially hard on lower- and middle-income federal employees and contractors who will not receive pay during the shutdown. The longer a shutdown lasts, the more difficult it is for these families.

“But, in this case, the implications could be even worse for tens thousands of federal workers and their families if the White House follows through on its threat of mass firings. Thousands of federal employees in both Republican and Democratic districts are likely to be affected.  

“For the good of America’s families, members of Congress need to put their differences aside, act with good faith, and negotiate a bipartisan deal to end the government shutdown.”

Potential Impacts of an Extended Government Shutdown

• Food assistance for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients could be impacted by delays and other issues within a month of a government shutdown. The 2018-2019 shutdown lasted 35 days.
• The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which serves approximately 7 million pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age five each month, is expected to run out of funding within a week of a government shutdown.  
• Free and reduced-price school meal programs across the country, as well as meals served in Head Start and day care centers, could be affected. Schools and school districts will need to subsidize the cost of the meals. Rural and other school districts with smaller budgets could be hit especially hard. This happened during the 2018 government shutdown.
• Emergency humanitarian aid programs could be interrupted due to agencies being forced to shut down as well as potential staff cuts, which could have fatal consequences.

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“Bread for the World opposes the White House’s rescission request and strongly urges members of Congress to reject it. If passed, the rescission request would significantly cut funding for international disaster assistance, development assistance, and global health – including lifesaving global hunger and nutrition programs. If Congress allows these drastic funding cuts, countless lives could be put at risk.” 

The rescission request would rescind funding approved by Congress for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 and codify many of the cuts to USAID and State Department programs initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Specifically, international disaster assistance would be cut by $500 million, global health by $900 million, and development assistance by $2.5 billion. 

“Codifying these DOGE cuts to USAID and State Department programs will likely lead to more DOGE-related rescission requests targeting global humanitarian aid funding. Congress approves this funding for a reason: U.S. global humanitarian assistance not only puts into action God’s calling for us to care for our neighbors by saving and improving the lives of tens of millions of people every year, it makes America stronger, safer, and more prosperous.”

Bread for the World is a Christian advocacy organization urging U.S. decision makers to do all they can to pursue a world without hunger

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“The House budget reconciliation package does little to help the most vulnerable families and instead includes numerous provisions that will push millions of children deeper into hunger and poverty. Bread for the World opposes this harmful package and strongly urges lawmakers to reject it,” said Rev. Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World.

The reconciliation package makes significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in order to cut $290 billion from the program over ten years – the largest single reduction of domestic food assistance ever enacted. The bulk of the funding cuts come from pushing costs of the program on to states, imposing strict work requirements on unmarried couples, single parents, and other guardians with children over six and older adults up to age 64, and limiting future benefit increases.

On May 13, Rev. Cho sent a letter to House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson, Ranking Member Angie Craig, and members of the Committee outlining Bread’s concerns with the harmful SNAP provisions. 

“SNAP is the United States’ most important anti-hunger program. Each month, SNAP helps 42 million Americans put food on the table for families. In fact, 40 percent of SNAP recipients are children. Make no mistake, these SNAP funding cuts will harm children and families,” said Cho.

Most states will not be able to afford cost-sharing a percentage of the SNAP benefits their residents receive, especially poorer states like West Virginia and New Mexico, which also have high SNAP participation rates. States will be forced to substantially reduce SNAP benefits or remove qualified people from the program – including families with children.

“Bread knows the value and dignity of work – and SNAP rules already recognize that by implementing work requirements for participants who are able. But imposing work requirements on single parents with children seven and older ignores the realities of low-wage jobs, erratic work schedules, and unaffordable childcare. Seven-year-olds are still young children and need adult supervision at all times. The reconciliation package also expands existing work requirements to older adults who face their own challenges,” said Rev. Heather Taylor, managing director of Bread for the World.

Freezing future benefit increases through the Thrifty Food Plan as food prices continue to rise will push millions of children and their families into hunger.

The House reconciliation package also fails to extend the expanded child tax credit (CTC) to the families who need it most. An estimated 17 million children, 1 in 4 children in the U.S., will not benefit from the modest $500 per child CTC increase because their families earn too little to receive it. Additionally, an estimated 4.5 million U.S. citizen and legal permanent resident children who have parents that are immigrants would become ineligible for the CTC under the new guidelines.

“The reason the 2021 CTC expansion was so effective at reducing child hunger and poverty is because it enabled the lowest-income families with children to receive the credit. This ‘expansion’ leaves out the most vulnerable children and will do little to reduce childhood hunger and poverty. We ask lawmakers to correct this mistake,” said Cho.

“God calls on us to care for the most vulnerable among us. This reconciliation package falls well short of that. ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did to me.’ Matthew 25:40,” added Cho.

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“Bread for the World is extremely concerned by the elimination of more than 90 percent of USAID grants and contracts, including programs providing lifesaving emergency nutrition supplements and medicine to tens of millions of people globally. As Christians, we urge the administration to quickly reinstate these programs so that lifesaving aid can get to those who need it.

“We have a duty to care for the orphan, the widow, and the foreigner. It is not too late for the administration to reverse course. Right now, people in five countries and territories are living in famine conditions. More than 45 million children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, which is immediately endangering their lives. Without the assistance the U.S. had been providing, millions of people – especially children – will likely die.

“International aid is less than 1 percent of the U.S. federal budget, but its impact is outsized in terms of saving lives and improving U.S. national security. These strategic investments make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous.

“Bread is also asking Members of Congress to call on the Administration to reinstate aid programs and include significant funding for humanitarian assistance in the upcoming fiscal year 2025 and 2026 budgets. Congress can and must play its constitutional role.

“‘Truly I tell you, just as you did to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did to me.’ Matthew 25:40.”

In 2023, USAID nutrition programs reached more than 39 million women and children globally with critical nutrition assistance, including:

• 28 million children with nutrition programs
• 11 million women with counseling on maternal and child nutrition and micronutrient supplementation 
• 6 million infants and young children through nutrition education, resources, and programs provided to families and caregivers
• 256,000 people with professional nutrition training and skills development to deliver nutrition-related interventions

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“Bread for the World is deeply concerned by the order temporarily pausing new and existing U.S. foreign assistance programs and urges an immediate end to this interruption of services as the Administration completes its necessary review of these critical programs, which we believe will show they are effective and in the interest of the United States. A thorough review can occur without interrupting these lifesaving programs. Moreover, in the long run, the related Stop-Work Order issued by the State Department will end up costing U.S. taxpayers, negatively affect U.S. influence globally, and, more importantly, have a devastating impact on the world’s most vulnerable people. Among other essential programs, since the 1960s, U.S. foreign aid has been providing lifesaving nutrition assistance to tens of millions of people, specifically women and children, each year. Nutrition programs enable countries to improve the health of their populations and strengthen their economies while also supporting U.S. strategic interests and national security by building and maintaining relationships with partner countries and promoting regional stability.”

In 2023 alone, USAID nutrition programs reached more than 39 million women and children globally with critical nutrition assistance, including:

• 28 million children with nutrition programs
• 11 million women with counseling on maternal and child nutrition and micronutrient supplementation
• 6 million infants and young children through nutrition education, resources, and programs provided to families and caregivers
• 256,000 people with professional nutrition training and skills development to deliver nutrition-related interventions

“While we applaud the Administration’s inclusion of a waiver for emergency food aid, by pausing all other foreign assistance programs, many mothers and their children receiving aid from those programs will undoubtedly go without. The Bible is clear, reminding us that as we do unto the ‘least of these’ among us, we do as unto Jesus (Matthew 25:40). We urge Secretary Marco Rubio and the State Department to conduct a swift yet thorough review of foreign aid programs while continuing the lifesaving work these programs provide.”

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“Bread for the World is thankful for the agreement between the Israeli government and Hamas that will, in part, allow for more food assistance to enter Gaza.

“Since almost the beginning of the conflict nearly the entire population of Gaza, 2.2 million people, has been in the throes of a devastating hunger crisis with many facing severe malnutrition and, in northern Gaza, even famine. Gaza currently has the highest rates of child malnutrition globally. We urge the parties involved to take immediate steps to ensure that food aid and other humanitarian assistance can safely and expeditiously reach all who need it.

“While we wholeheartedly welcome this temporary ceasefire and the respite it provides, this is only the beginning. Bread is hopeful that all parties can reach a permanent agreement to end the suffering so many have endured for far too long.

“Bread will continue to pray for the release of all hostages, for a lasting cease-fire, for an end to the hunger crisis, and for peace to reign in the region.

“’Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of you.’ 2 Thessalonians 3:16.”

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Bread for the World is a Christian advocacy organization urging U.S. decision makers to do all they can to pursue a world without hunger

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Bread was founded in the early 1970s by Rev. Art Simon, who was pastoring a Lutheran congregation on the Lower East Side of Manhattan when he gathered a small group of seven Catholics and seven Protestants to discuss a bold idea: creating a national, non-partisan Christian movement to end hunger by speaking out to their elected officials in Washington.

“Who knew that a small group of local church leaders coming together to explore ways they might address the root causes of hunger would spark a movement with such a profound impact – helping billions of people across the globe,” said Rev. Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World.

Fifty years later, Bread continues to be a leading voice to bring about the end of hunger through policy and grassroots advocacy. Bread’s bipartisan network now includes hundreds of thousands of people and churches that are active in every congressional district across the country.

“For 50 years, Bread for the World has called Republicans and Democrats, Baptists and Catholics, and all stripes in between to come together to ensure all people have the food they need to live as God intended.  With more people dying today from hunger than people dying at the height of the pandemic, we have a crisis unfolding right in front of us.  Fortunately, our farmers and ranchers around the world are producing enough food to ensure that all people should have enough to eat.  The problem is in access.  The problem is not caring enough to make this a priority.  But these problems are inherently solvable.   The solution to the problem of hunger requires all sectors and political parties to work collaboratively.  So, we the people must heed Bread’s call once again to come alongside our brothers and sisters struggling for survival to end hunger in our lifetime,” said Jeremy Everett, chair of Bread’s Board of Directors and the founder and executive director of the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty.

“A hunger-free world is possible in our lifetime. Hunger is not a result of scarcity, but a symptom of unjust or non-existent policies. For 50 years, Bread for the World has been at the forefront of advocating for policies that lift children, families, and individuals out of food insecurity and poverty. Our unique approach—rooted in policy research, raising awareness, and empowering the faith community to advocate—has led to significant breakthroughs. While progress has been made, much remains to be done. We will continue our commitment to a hunger-free world because when our neighbors, near and far, are struggling with hunger, we all lose as a society,” said Mariam Mengistie, vice chair of Bread’s Board of Directors and a community organizer and leader in Orlando, Florida.

In June, Bread will host its’ 50th Anniversary Advocacy Summit, bringing Bread advocates from across the country together to celebrate 50 years of achievements and advocate on Capitol Hill for policies that can help end hunger.

“Bread is a testament to the impact a collective Christian voice can have—spanning generations, denominations, ethnicities, and political parties—to become an incredible movement for hope and change,” added Cho. “As we are reminded in Hebrews 12:1, we are surrounded and inspired by committed people of faith who came before us and therefore prepared to run with perseverance the race that is ahead of us. We’re proud of our legacy and excited to carry the momentum forward in building a future where everyone has access to the food and nutrition they need to thrive.”

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“Bread for the World congratulates President-elect Donald J. Trump, Vice-President-elect J.D. Vance, and all of the 2024 congressional election winners. We will keep President-elect Trump, Vice-President-elect Vance, and the new Congress in prayer as they guide our nation through this next chapter. We also pray for the peaceful transition of power.

“When Congress returns from recess next week, we urge lawmakers to ensure programs that address hunger and malnutrition, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and global nutrition programs such as Food for Peace, are fully funded through fiscal year 2025.

“We also urge Congress to pass a farm bill during the lame duck session that protects and strengthens all domestic and global nutrition programs included in the legislation.

“Next year, Bread will launch its Nourish Our Future campaign, which will focus on child hunger. Nearly 14 million children in the U.S. are experiencing food insecurity and 45 million children globally suffer from wasting, the most devastating form of malnutrition. 

“Bread looks forward to working with the new Administration and Congress to ensure all children, both in the United States and around the world, have access to the nutrition they need to flourish.

“God calls on us to care for our neighbors. We pray, in a spirit of unity, that we follow in the footsteps of Jesus to bring hope and practical solutions to help people experiencing hunger.”

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“It is dismaying that food insecurity in the U.S. has continued to rise over the past two years considering we have the tools and know-how to end it,” said Rev. Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World. “We must elect candidates in November who will champion policies and programs that will end hunger.”

Bread’s Vote to End Hunger campaign encourages people to vote for candidates in the upcoming election who will make ending hunger a priority.

The report also found that certain households had higher rates of food insecurity than the national average, including:

• Households with children – 17.9 percent
• Households with children headed by a single woman – 34.7 percent
• Households with reported incomes below 185 percent of the poverty threshold – 33.5 percent  
• Black households – 23.3 percent, and Hispanic households – 21.9 percent, experienced food insecurity rates that are more than twice the rate of White households – 9.9 percent.

“As Jesus reminds us, whatever we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do as unto him (Matthew 25:40). The fact that so many children are experiencing food insecurity points to the need for lawmakers to pass effective policies such as another expanded Child Tax Credit that is distributed monthly and fully refundable and can put a dent in child hunger and poverty.  Likewise, we must further strengthen and fund critical programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to ensure families struggling with food insecurity can put good, nutritious food on the table,” added Cho.  

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