The One, Big, Beautiful Bill May Increase Demand for Zanesville Hot Meal Programs

Submitted by WHIZ Intern Maddie Luebkert

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — Funding cuts in The One, Big, Beautiful Bill act passed by the House of Representatives could impact traffic at local food pantries and hot meal services in Zanesville.

Funding cuts outlined in the bill target programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. Cuts to SNAP over the course of 10 years will amount to $230 billion if the bill passes. The cuts may affect local food pantries and hot meal services, who are already experiencing increased demand according to Christ’s Table Executive Director Keely Warden.

“What we’re seeing come through the door right now is already tremendously huge. Our numbers have gone up 25% from what we were seeing in our winter months. So, that’s a big increase for any restaurant or any grocery store, let alone a non-profit soup kitchen,” Warden said.

Last year, Christ’s Table alone served 100 to 150 meals a day in their dining room, with another 240 per week delivered to homebound residents. The kitchen relies on the work of volunteers and requires at least 20 each day to function. With increased demand possible, Christ’s table plans to take measures to accommodate any increased traffic to the kitchen.

“We’re just going to add some tables. We are going to adapt to whatever these changes are going to do. And we want people to know that they’re welcome here. There is a hot meal everyday here. We’re open Monday through Saturday every week, and the second Sunday and the third Sunday of the month we’re also open,” Warden said.

While the bill containing SNAP cuts has passed in the House, it is unclear when the bill will be put up to a vote in the Senate. Senator Bernie Moreno predicts the Senate will pass the bill by Saturday, June 28. To learn more about food pantries or hot meal programs nearby, call 2-1-1 to learn which options are available closest to you.