The $20.5 billion in food stamp cuts that wasn't enough cutting for many House Republicans would kick more than 5 million people out of the program, according to a new report from the Health Impact Project. Of that 5 million, more than 500,000 are currently suffering from food insecurity, and another 160,000 to 305,000 people could become food insecure as a result of the cuts. That's a whole lot of people who would go hungry as a direct result of cuts that, let's repeat, are not big enough for many House Republicans.

If you are, Republican-like, tempted to think "sure, people will go hungry, but we'll save money," consider this: No, we won't. Increased food insecurity and increased poverty would raise the risk of many illnesses, raising health care costs:



Our analysis found that based on current rates of diabetes in relation to poverty in U.S. communities, this increase in poverty could translate to a growth in government and private-sector medical costs for diabetes alone of nearly $15 billion over 10 years. Thus, diabetes costs alone could nearly equal CBO’s estimate of $20 billion in savings over 10 years from implementing proposed SNAP changes in H.R. 1947, in addition to any costs associated with other diseases.

People like Christine Tucker, 46, a mother of four in Queens. Ms. Tucker, who was born in Jamaica and works as a health aide, said she began receiving food stamps in April. “It’s a big help,” she said. “If it goes, I don’t know what is going to happen. After paying rent and other bills, there is often nothing left for food.”

If you were having another Republican-like response and thinking "well, now maybe they'll have to go out and get jobs," a reminder: Many people receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits do have jobs. It's just that in this great and noble country, because low-wage jobs are so damn common, many people work full-time and still need food assistance So. We can cut SNAP and save money on the program itself, but face higher health care costs as a result, while increasing the number of people who go hungry in this country. Or we could do the sane thing and expand the safety net that, while riddled with holes, is already keeping 40 million people out of poverty

Please sign our petition telling the House and Senate to put low-income families ahead of corporate welfare and to oppose all cuts to food stamps.