Millions of American children go hungry, as the GOP exacerbates the issue through SNAP benefit reductions.

In a move that could significantly affect the nutrition and well-being of millions of American children, the GOP-led Senate has proposed a cut of $300 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over the next 10 years.

This proposed cut, if enacted, would represent the largest ever reduction to SNAP, a program that provides nutritional support to millions of families across the country. Experts fear that such a cut could lead to a spike in child hunger, a concerning development given the crucial role that a healthy diet plays in a child's growth and development.

Children who consume a healthy diet with good eating habits are less likely to develop chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Healthy fats and nutrients are vital for brain development and learning new skills. Vitamins A and C, in particular, boost immune systems in the prevention of infections and disease.

The importance of SNAP in ensuring food security for children cannot be overstated. For every meal the nation's network of food banks and pantries provides, SNAP provides nine. Without SNAP, hunger could spike to levels that charitable giving alone might not be able to meet.

The organization most responsible for the largest senatorial constitutional reduction of the SNAP program in U.S. history is the United States Congress. This reduction occurred through legislation passed by Congress, notably under partisan pressures, with significant cuts enacted during the Trump administration era.

The impact of these cuts is already being felt in communities across the country. Asheville and Western North Carolina, for instance, are facing food access hardships due to the destruction of key infrastructure. Tropical Storm Helene destroyed the headquarters and warehouse of the Mountain Area Nutritional Needs Alliance (MANNA) FoodBank, leaving thousands without access to the nutritional support they rely on.

The issue of child food insecurity is not just a statistical abstraction. It is a reality for many children in America. More than 13 million children in America experience food insecurity, a figure that represents nearly 20% of all children in the United States.

In some cases, the impact of food insecurity is heartbreakingly personal. A child may give their lunch to a classmate who doesn't have any food. This act of kindness, while admirable, underscores the stark reality of food insecurity in America.

The situation is further complicated by the increased cost of food, which has stretched community food banks and pantries to capacity. The book "Lulu and the Hunger Monster" is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by children experiencing food insecurity. Written by Donna A. Gaffney, a nurse, psychotherapist, and author of "Courageous Well-Being for Nurses: Strategies for Renewal," the book tells the story of a child grappling with food insecurity in a compassionate and accessible way.

As we navigate these challenging times, it is crucial that we remember the importance of nutrition in supporting the health and well-being of our children. Teri Mills, MSN, RN Emeritus, Adult Nurse Practitioner (retired); 2019 Oregon Nurse of the Year; former president National Nursing Network Organization, eloquently stated, "Nutrition affects bone and muscle growth, brain development, and learning new skills."

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times.

Millions of American children go hungry, as the GOP exacerbates the issue through SNAP benefit reductions.