As SNAP Shrinks, What's the Future of Food Aid in America?

About this episode

Cash-strapped states and struggling families are wrestling with the consequences of major reforms to the SNAP program passed as part of Republicans’ Big Beautiful Bill. Guests: • Romina Boccia, Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy, Cato Institute • Chloe East, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Colorado Boulder • Joël McClurg, former SNAP compliance officer • Leslie Walker, senior reporter, Tradeoffs • John Waxler, SNAP applicant • Lori Ventura, operations director, Free Senior Health Clinic This episode was reported and produced by Leslie Walker, edited by Ryan Levi and Dan Gorenstein, and mixed by Andrew Parrella. The Tradeoffs theme song was composed by Ty Citerman. Additional music this episode from Blue Dot Sessions and Epidemic Sound. Special thanks to Jossie Barroso, Jack Cardinal, Cindy Huddleston, Acadia Jacob, Joseph Llobrera and Kenny Palmer. Learn more: Read the full reporting and explore additional resources on our website. Want more Tradeoffs? Join more than 5,500 readers who trust Tradeoffs for clear, deeply reported health policy insights. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter. Tradeoffs helps you cut through the noise with clear,