Opinion: Massive SNAP Cuts Could Mean More Children Are Separated From Their Families

Policy experts Sandy Santana and Kristen Weber warn that significant cuts to SNAP (food assistance) benefits could devastate vulnerable families and increase child separations. When families face food insecurity and poverty, they become more susceptible to involvement with child protective services. The authors emphasize that punitive approaches to poverty—rather than supportive policies—worsen family stability and child welfare outcomes. This perspective highlights how social safety net programs directly impact family health and wellbeing, particularly for low-income children in Puerto Rico and across the U.S.