Senate anti-hunger coalition introduces Closing the Meal Gap Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. | U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025, legislation that would expand and strengthen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and help those with large medical and housing expenses to qualify for SNAP. Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY-07) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, SNAP benefits are based on the restrictive Thrifty Food Plan, which inadequately calculates benefits for low-wage workers and their families. SNAP recipients receive an average of just $6.20 per person per day, and rising food costs consistently outpace SNAP benefits each year. The Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025 switches from the Thrifty Food Plan to the Low Cost Food Plan to calculate SNAP benefits, increasing the average SNAP benefit amount. In addition, the bill raises the SNAP standard medical deduction and SNAP shelter deduction caps, allowing recipients with large medical and housing expenses to access SNAP. "In the richest country in the world, it is unacceptable that over 40 million Americans, including 15 million children, still face hunger. We must do more to combat hunger in New York and across the nation," said Sen. Gillibrand. "That's why I'm so proud to lead my Democratic colleagues in introducing the Closing the Meal Gap Act. By enhancing SNAP benefits, this vital legislation will help put food on the table for those who need it most. This is potentially life-saving, commonsense legislation, and I am determined to get it passed." "No one in America should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, but SNAP benefits are simply not enough to put food on the table. As inflation and cost of living continue to rise, we should focus on strengthening SNAP, not making deep, reckless cuts that only worsen hunger in the United States," said Congresswoman Adams. "The Closing the Meal Gap Act will help tens of millions of people—including seniors, people with disabilities, single mothers, veterans, and children—become more food secure and support their households. Hunger is a policy choice and today, we are choosing to provide for the people who need it most." "This legislation treats food as the fundamental necessity that it is," said Congresswoman Hayes. "Our bill provides a long-overdue update to SNAP, ensuring the program meets the needs of families. Making access to nutritious foods easier, not harder, is a meaningful step towards ending hunger." "Hunger is a despicable policy choice in one of the wealthiest countries in the world," said Congresswoman Lee. "As groceries are breaking budgets and wages remain stagnant, Trump and Republicans are shamelessly gutting SNAP and tearing food assistance from millions of families nationwide. That's why I'm proud to reintroduce the Closing the Meal Gap Act with my colleagues to make life a little easier for working folks across the country and expand access to food assistance. Every Member of Congress should be taking meaningful steps to address the hunger crisis plaguing our country." "At a time when families are being crushed by the rising cost of living, Republicans have chosen to launch heartless attacks on SNAP slashing benefits and making it harder for millions to put food on the table," said Congresswoman Velázquez. "Hunger is not inevitable; it is the result of failed policies and misplaced priorities. The Closing the Meal Gap Act strengthens SNAP so families, especially those with children, and seniors don't have to choose between paying rent, affording medicine, or eating dinner. I'm proud to stand with my colleagues to fight back against these cruel cuts and make sure every household has access to the nutrition they need to live with dignity." The Closing the Meal Gap Act comes after Republicans in Congress made an unprecedented $186 billion in cuts to SNAP in their One Big Beautiful Bill Act earlier this year – threatening access to the lifesaving food security programs millions of Americans rely on. The budget bill also cuts and restricts future updates to the Thrifty Food Plan, making the Low Cost Food Plan a better option to calculate benefits for SNAP recipients. In addition, it also removes internet service costs as an eligible deduction for SNAP benefits. Full text of the bill can be found here.

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Senate anti-hunger coalition introduces Closing the Meal Gap Act

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