Constituents deliver birthday cake and a message to Congressman Zach Nunn: don’t cut SNAP
Des Moines, Iowa — Constituents organized by Food & Water Watch and Fairness for Iowa gathered at Congressman Zach Nunn’s Des Moines office on Monday, to wish their Representative a happy birthday—with a slice of accountability.
The birthday cake comes with a clear message: vote against any cuts to SNAP. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Nunn will soon take a key vote on whether or not to cut SNAP as the committee marks up the Budget Reconciliation bill. This phase is one of several in the budget process and one where Congressman Nunn’s voice and vote carry considerable weight.
“Today, we delivered a birthday cake and a clear message: protecting SNAP is non-negotiable,” Melissa Speed, political director for AFSCME Council 61 said. “Too many Iowa families rely on this program to put food on the table. Cuts aren’t just numbers on a page, they’re meals that disappear.”
“I wish we could have met with you [Nunn] in person and shared this cake,” Matt Chapman, a constituent from Waukee said. “Instead, I am here to talk about the upcoming mark ups, in relation to SNAP cuts. So many families rely on SNAP, and in this economy with tariffs left and right, it looks like grocery prices are only going up higher. Leave SNAP alone, and leave all the good programs like it alone too.”
Background
The budget outline passed in April paves the way for $230 billion dollars in SNAP cuts.
67,000 constituents in Nunn’s district rely on SNAP benefits.
Republicans in Congress are meeting today to discuss making cuts to SNAP and/or making individual states pay for a portion of the cost for the first time.
House Republicans are also considering work requirements for parents with kids as young as 7 years old.