Most families want to eat healthier, but for many, the cost of nutritious food puts it out of reach.
Lisa Matter, IMH-E
Steering Committee Co-Chair, National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers
For millions of families across the United States, access to healthy food depends on cost, availability, and opportunity. When that access is limited, the impact is immediate, especially for young children, whose growth and development rely on consistent, healthy nutrition.
A critical safety net
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a critical part of how our nation meets that need. In 2024, SNAP helped nearly 42 million people afford groceries each month. Nearly 40% of participants are children, with more than 4 million under the age of 3.
These early years are foundational. Nutrition in infancy and early childhood shapes brain development, supports healthy growth, and influences long-term health. When families lack consistent access to food, the consequences can be serious. Families with young children face higher rates of food insecurity. In 2023, nearly 2 million children under age 3 lived in households struggling to afford enough food.
SNAP helps bridge that gap. The National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers advocates for improving access to nutritious food in the earliest years, which is critical for long-term health and development. Research shows that participation in SNAP can reduce food insecurity among children and support better health outcomes, from improved early childhood development to lower healthcare costs later in life. These benefits extend beyond individual families; they strengthen communities and contribute to a healthier, more resilient country.
The future of SNAP
Unfortunately, recent federal policy decisions are moving in the wrong direction. The budget reconciliation law enacted in 2025 removes approximately $187 billion from SNAP over the next decade. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, these changes are projected to cause between 2.4 million and 4 million people to lose some or all of their benefits, which help them stretch their grocery budget in a typical month. Babies can’t wait for another month.
These cuts are already making it harder for millions of families to afford nutritious foods, including vegetables and fruits, a priority reflected in the American Heart Association’s 2026 dietary guidance, which emphasizes a flexible, plant-forward, minimally processed eating pattern grounded in the latest science to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, improve quality of life, and save lives.
At a time when families are already stretched thin, and food costs continue to rise, reducing nutrition support only makes that challenge harder. As policymakers consider a new farm bill, restoring and strengthening SNAP is essential to ensuring every child can grow, learn, and thrive.
