Dear Friends & Neighbors,

We are outraged by the tax and spending bill heading to President Trump for final approval. Once signed, it will mark one of the most devastating rollbacks of our country’s social safety net. This legislation represents a massive transfer of wealth from those who are struggling to those who are already thriving, slashing vital programs like Medicaid and SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) to give tax breaks to the wealthy and large corporations.

Instead of protecting basic rights to food and healthcare, this bill punishes people living in poverty with new barriers and fewer resources. Nearly 30 of the 38 million people receiving SNAP benefits are also enrolled in Medicaid, meaning these cuts are a double blow to families already straining to make ends meet.

Every person deserves access to healthcare and nutritious food, regardless of income or employment status. But this bill will add harsh new work requirements, forcing people to jump through hoops to access lifesaving care and groceries. These types of policies don’t reduce poverty—they deepen it.

And here in Washington, DC, where nearly 700,000 residents have no vote in Congress, we are being forced to watch as lawmakers strip away protections we rely on, without ever having a say in the matter.

The decisions made by Congress were a deliberate choice. Our government can afford to care for its people. Poverty is not a personal failure; it is a policy failure. We believe in a future where resources are shared fairly, healthcare is a human right, and no one goes hungry.

As our federal leaders fail to protect our most vulnerable, we will continue to do what we’ve always done: show up for our community–with compassion, with resolve, and with hope.

In solidarity,

Medicaid:

• Starting in 2026, childless adults (ages 19–64) and parents of children over 14 will need to work, volunteer, or attend school at least 80 hours/month to stay insured — unless exempt.
• Copays and premiums could rise, and coverage could be harder to maintain and easier to lose.
• DC will be forced to absorb higher costs, likely resulting in additional local service cuts.

SNAP (Food Stamps):

• Work requirements will expand to:
  • Adults aged 55–64
  • Parents of teens 14 and older
  • Veterans
  • Former foster youth
  • People experiencing homelessness
• Expect reduced monthly benefits, increased risk of losing access, and more red tape.
• States may be required to fund part of SNAP, a costly burden for DC.

No matter what, Bread for the City remains committed to supporting our neighbors with dignity and respect.

• Food: Visit our pantry once a month for a full grocery bag of fresh, nutritious food for your entire household. Stop by our free Friday farmers markets (locations alternate).
• Healthcare: Our medical clinic offers primary care, dental, vision, and behavioral health — no insurance or payment required. Call 202-386-7020 to schedule your first visit.
• Additional Support:
  • Assistance applying for or renewing public benefits
  • Legal advice and representation for housing, immigration, family law, and more
  • Job training and skill-building workshops

Visit breadforthecity.org/services or call us at (202) 265-2400 for more information.