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Food Assistance Cuts Threaten Older Adults' Health

Rising food costs are placing growing pressure on older adults, many of whom already face difficult tradeoffs between paying for groceries and paying for healthcare. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a critical support for households struggling to afford nutritious food. However, recent legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) includes substantial reductions in SNAP funding—cuts estimated by the Congressional Budget Office to total nearly $200 billion over the next decade. These reductions come at a time when food insecurity is already widespread among older adults, particularly those in poor health.

July 25, 2025
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Key Takeaways:

  • 52% of adults age 60+ in fair or poor health experience food insecurity. Older adults in poor health are significantly more vulnerable to running out of food and lacking the money to buy more.

  • 19% of adults have had to trade off food to pay for healthcare. Rising costs force many Americans into impossible choices that undermine both nutrition and health.

  • 84% of adults are somewhat or extremely concerned about the cost of food. Food prices have become one of the top financial stressors for U.S. households—often exceeding worries about housing or healthcare.

  • Cuts to SNAP will deepen these risks. Reduced food assistance—combined with rising healthcare costs—puts older adults’ health and financial stability at even greater risk.

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Food Assistance Cuts Threaten Older Adults' Health

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