St. Louis, Missouri – Food pantries across the country are reporting higher demand as grocery prices remain elevated and millions of Americans lose or face new restrictions on federal food assistance.
At the Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry near St. Louis, Executive Director Angela Gabel said the nonprofit has replaced more expensive proteins such as ground beef and chicken legs with cheaper options including ground chicken and hot dogs. The pantry spent about $120,000 on food last year and budgeted $180,000 this year, though Gabel said that may not be enough.
The pressure comes as states enforce new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program rules tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump last year. News From The States reported that more than 4 million Americans lost SNAP benefits between February 2025 and February 2026, based on federal data analyses.
The New York Fed reported a “remarkable” rise in food insecurity, especially among lower-income households and families with children. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimated the average SNAP benefit this year at $188 per person per month, or $6.17 per day.
Republicans say the changes target fraud and abuse, while Democrats and anti-hunger groups say the cuts will shift more pressure onto states, charities, and families.
Sources:
- News From The States – MBFC Rating
- Reuters – MBFC Rating
- Federal Reserve Bank of New York – Unrated
- Center on Budget and Policy Priorities – Unrated
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