Editor’s note: This piece was first published on RESULTS‘ blog on March 26, 2025 and is cross-posted with permission. The author of the post is Lakeisha McVey (she/they), RESULTS’ Senior Manager of Lived Experience Engagement. RESULTS is a member of the Coalition on Human Needs. You can donate to RESULTS to stand with Aaron and families across the country and ensure no family has to face hunger.

On Tuesday, March 25, a powerful congressional hearing was led by the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. Experts and advocates voiced their opposition to the proposed $230 billion cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The proposal could also include more work requirements and changing eligibility. With over 42 million people benefiting from SNAP, these proposed cuts put the lives of so many at risk.

Aaron Carrillo at the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee hearing on SNAP Cuts

Powerful testimonials share SNAP is a lifeline

One of the most moving testimonies came from Aaron Carrillo, RESULTS’ very own Board Member, and former Fellow and Expert on Poverty. Aaron bravely shared his personal experience with SNAP, recounting how his family relied on the program during a time of incredible hardship. “To me, my mother was my superhero. She was invincible in my 12-year-old mind. But every superhero has their kryptonite,” Aaron shared.

He spoke about how his mother’s sickness led to her losing her job and their home. “Even when she was sick, she continued to work. Even when it led to surgery, she tried to continue to work. Until she had nothing left to give. And slowly we watched everything around us begin to disappear.” For over a year, SNAP was a lifeline that ensured they had food on the table when there was nowhere else to turn. Without that support, Aaron said he didn’t know how his family would have survived.

Aaron’s story highlighted that SNAP does more than provide food. It offers families the stability they need to recover and rebuild. The proposed budget cuts would put millions of families at risk of hunger and hardship.

During the hearing, advocates shared heartbreaking stories about their SNAP experiences. Video testimonials came in from advocates nationwide, including from five current and former RESULTS Experts on Poverty. They all explained how devastating these cuts would be.

SNAP is about more than nutrition

The message throughout the hearing was clear. Cutting SNAP takes food off the plates of kids, families, seniors, and veterans. Cutting SNAP harms local economies. It negatively impacts farmers, grocers, and restaurants. It forces families to choose between food, rent, and health care.

“Every day I see how vital food assistance is for overall health. For kids to have the drive and concentration that everyone talks about every day, they can’t be hungry,” Aaron told the committee. “SNAP helps alleviate the burden of poverty and reduces food insecurity to prevent devastating health outcomes or immense health care costs.”

The power of a collective voice

As I watched Aaron and the videos from RESULTS Experts on Poverty play, I felt the power of their collective voice. Their stories remind us that those with lived experience bring authenticity and urgency to policy conversations. Something numbers alone could never convey.

Congress will continue to debate funding decisions in the weeks ahead. It’s crucial to amplify voices like our Experts on Poverty — and our own — to protect SNAP and other vital anti-poverty programs.

I’m proud to be part of the RESULTS network, where volunteers are taking action every day. Together, we can ensure that families get the support they need to survive and thrive.