Tag: SNAP

Estimates from DataHaven Show SNAP Cuts Threaten Food Security and Local Economies Across Connecticut

by DataHaven

Today [Oct. 20, 2025], DataHaven released a new report titled “Food Assistance and Local Economies at Risk: Projected Federal SNAP Cuts by Connecticut Town and District,” analyzing the projected losses of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits tied to recent federal policy changes.

The report (ctdatahaven.org/snapcuts) includes links to interactive data visualizations and maps, showing the number of families projected to lose benefits as well as the total amount of benefits lost each month for each Connecticut town and state legislative district.

These projected losses stem from federal legislation (the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”), which introduces work requirements, administrative hurdles, and additional cost burden for states. Under the new law, even as Connecticut pays more to sustain its SNAP program, many residents are likely to see essential nutritional benefits diminish or disappear entirely.

“Feeding hungry people should not be a political problem. Food is the most basic building block for a healthy, thriving community. When we cut SNAP, we’re not just cutting benefits — we’re cutting stability, long-term health, and opportunity. Food is medicine. Food is educational success. Food is jobs. Every dollar invested in SNAP pays dividends in healthcare, education, and economic resilience,” said Meg Hadley Zimmerman, Program Manager at End Hunger CT!, about the new report.

“These cuts to SNAP benefits are coming at a time when rates of food insecurity in Connecticut have reached historic highs, putting even more pressure on families and local main streets alike. This new report is important because it provides town- and district-level estimates that can help legislators and advocates understand the on-the-ground impacts of recent legislation,” said Mark Abraham, Executive Director at DataHaven. “In addition to putting food on the table and ensuring that all children have the nutrition they need to succeed, SNAP benefits keep dollars flowing through neighborhood businesses and help support local jobs. These data make it clear how cutbacks in SNAP as a result of work requirements and other federal policy changes are going to have a significant impact on communities across the entire state.”

A media advisory is also available on our website. Visit ctdatahaven.org for this and other reports.

Signs for the Times: the New Haven Sunday Vigil for Peace and Justice Continues

by Joan Cavanagh, Vigil Participant

“Never Again for Anyone;” “No More Money for Genocide;” “Resist Fascism Now- Before It’s Too Late;” “Arms Embargo Now;” “Food Distribution, Not Population Annihilation;” “Silence Is Not an Option;” and, of course, “Resist this Endless War,” are among the messages made visible every week by the New Haven Sunday Vigil for Peace and Justice.

Ongoing weekly since 1999 throughout the administrations of five different presidents, the vigil’s theme has been consistent: the wars and military interventions abroad and repression at home are all part of one assault aimed at consolidating enormous wealth and power into the hands of a very few people at the expense of the rest of us and the health of our planet.

After the U.S.-enabled destruction of Gaza and its people following the HAMAS attack on Israel, culminating now in a campaign of mass starvation and population removal, the vigilers decided to continue this weekly presence well beyond its 25th year.

Today, with all three branches of the United States government caught in the stranglehold of a global movement toward fascism, visible street resistance to all manifestations of the “endless war” is a crucial part of our refusal to be silenced. This is what fascism looks like:

  • Mass institutional compliance with the dictates of Trump and his lackeys on every issue, including the abolition of D.E.I., the removal of healthcare from certain groups of people, the rewriting of U.S. history and the criminalization of dissent.
  • The federal takeover of the Washington, D.C. police force (a prototype for takeovers of more U.S. cities).
  • The invasion of our cities by masked ICE thugs and the illegal arrests, detainments and deportations of U.S. citizens as well as immigrants.
  • The criminalization of poverty and homelessness.
  • Massive cuts to vital social services needed by millions in our country, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.
  • And, of course, the never-ending blank check for war-making, weapons production and military intervention handed to the President of the United States.

Currently, three to six people attend the vigil. With more urgency than ever, we invite others to join: 12 to 1 on Sundays at Broadway, Park and Elm streets. This is what democracy looks like. (https://newhavensundayvigil.org).