SNAP cuts and growing demand at food pantries highlighted in event as National Hunger Month begins

Local coalition hosts community event to highlight SNAP cuts and rising costs because of tariffs, hold Congressman Don Bacon accountable for votes

OMAHA, Nebraska (September 4, 2025)—Today, Nebraska For Us kicked off a month long campaign for National Hunger Month to raise awareness about hunger in our community and the challenges facing local pantries as a result of incoming SNAP cuts included in the Republican Tax Law, along with the double whammy of rising grocery prices because of tariffs. The month began with a community happy hour event in Blackstone, which included speakers from impacted organizations.

“The trend is deeply troubling as the need for emergency food assistance in our community continues to grow,” said Tim Williams, Food Bank For The Heartland Government Affairs and Advocacy Officer. “This dramatic reduction in SNAP funding will put a strain on the system and make it more difficult to serve people in need.”

“Our pantry has nearly doubled the number of people requiring services every day in just the last two years, and that is before considering any cuts to federal funding,” Together Omaha President and CEO Mike Hornacek said. “I am deeply concerned about our neighbors and our community as this problem continues to grow.”

As part of the event, Nebraska For Us accepted donations from attendees. The need continues to grow for a variety of nonperishable food items as higher prices squeeze consumers. Additional partnering organizations at the community happy hour event included City Sprouts, No More Empty Pots, Inclusive Communities, and Youth Mart.

“Cutting SNAP is not a popular proposition, which is why Congressman Don Bacon has been so defensive in response to our criticism of his vote this summer,” Nebraska For Us State Director Angie Lauritsen said. “At a time when people were promised lower prices, their grocery and health care bills are going up while also facing the upcoming cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act tax credits to name a few.”

Nebraska For Us will focus solely on SNAP cuts and hunger throughout the month of September as we talk with Nebraskans about the consequences of the Republican Tax Law, including a recent report about the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for Nebraska because of its passage.