Making America Healthy Again Requires SNAP and Medicaid

Food security and health are closely connected, and with 1 in 7 households in America facing hunger, the health of our nation is at risk.

Food is a universal need, and we see the importance of proper nutrition at every stage of life for the success of our society. A hungry baby will keep their parents awake all night. A hungry student cannot focus in school, and a hungry adult must make trade-offs between food, rent, healthcare, insurance, transportation, and more. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid provide critical support to those experiencing food insecurity, particularly children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

In Massachusetts, 29 percent of residents, and 48 percent of children, receive MassHealth (Medicaid) for their healthcare coverage. More than 1 million Massachusetts residents receive SNAP benefits to purchase groceries each month. However, Congress is aiming to cut funding for our most vulnerable populations, threatening the health and wellbeing of families striving to put nutritious food on their tables.

Congress’ proposals in the Big Beautiful Bill contradict the promises made during the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) campaign. The MAHA Commission states that it is federal policy “to aggressively combat the critical health challenges facing our citizens, including rising rates of mental health disorders, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.” While the MAHA report acknowledges the need to shift the American diet towards more nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables, the administration is cutting programs essential for millions of Americans to achieve this dietary change.

The proposed deep cuts to SNAP and Medicaid undermine our country’s ability to improve the health of millions who need it most. When we address food and nutrition security alongside healthcare, the outcomes are impressive and consistent. In the statewide food security nonprofit I lead, we have adopted an approach to address these needs comprehensively.

In partnership with MassHealth, we connect patients dealing with food insecurity and complex health diagnoses with the resources they need to maintain and improve their health long-term. This includes a single mother who received a blender that enabled her to serve fruits and vegetables as smoothies to her children, an older woman with diabetes who managed to lower her A1C levels after nutrition counselors introduced her to new grains and proteins, and a father with stage 4 stomach cancer who, unable to work, received SNAP and additional grocery store gift cards to feed his children.

Service providers can offer essential support—all covered by patients’ health insurance plans. This might include applying for SNAP if eligible, but also encompasses nutrition counseling, cooking classes, food vouchers, and kitchen equipment like blenders, utensils, and reusable containers for food storage. Since our program launched in 2020, patients have reported a 19 percent decrease in food insecurity, a 30 percent increase in SNAP participation, and 4 additional servings of fruits and vegetables consumed weekly. Even six months after the program, 84 percent of patients reported high satisfaction and connection with their healthcare provider, increasing their likelihood of staying on track with appointments and health outcomes for longer.

This is the essential work at risk when the Trump administration promises to make America healthy again but threatens to dismantle the programs supporting millions of Americans nationwide. As of June 2025, 25 states, including Oregon, North Carolina, and Arkansas, are currently providing similar supports that address health-related social needs like food security and housing through the healthcare system. These programs are also saving taxpayer money. The latest data shows that Massachusetts’ nutrition-focused Flexible Services Program saved $2,502 in healthcare costs per adult, surpassing its delivery costs. Participation in the program was linked to a 23 percent decrease in hospitalizations and a 13 percent decrease in emergency department visits, compared to eligible individuals who did not participate. The healthcare industry is increasingly recognizing that food is medicine—it plays an integral role in improving the health of the American public. It is time our government recognizes this too.

We must protect SNAP and Medicaid to ensure families have access to nutritious foods that will genuinely improve their health, guaranteeing that children are well-fed and seniors never have to choose between food or medicine for survival. Safeguarding SNAP and Medicaid enhances health in America. We cannot accept cuts that will harm our communities so deeply, and we must inform Congress that these programs are part of the solution—not the problem.

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Photo courtesy of Mark Stosberg, Unsplash