Crystal FitzSimons of the Food Research and Action Center warns that unprecedented federal cuts to SNAP could strip millions—especially women, children and immigrants—of essential food aid, even as advocates fight to restore and expand access to nutrition programs.

When Crystal FitzSimons became president of the 55-year-old, Washington, D.C.-based Food Research and Action Center in May, she anticipated attacks on federal food and nutrition programs. But she calls what has unfolded unprecedented, and makes clear that unless Congress changes course and passes the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025, millions of U.S. residents will lose some or all of the benefits they’re receiving through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP.  

Other pending changes, FitzSimons told Ms., will deny SNAP to the few immigrants who were previously eligible for benefits, such as asylum seekers, refugees and international survivors of domestic violence.

It’s obviously a fraught time, but FitzSimons does not sound dejected. In fact, she says that she is heartened by the formation of several coalitions that are committed to protecting, and eventually expanding, SNAP, as well as other social welfare and nutrition programs.

Moreover, FRAC’s ongoing commitment to rooting out the causes of hunger and poverty—structural racism, sexism, classism and systemic discrimination—have been foundational for the organization and sustaining for her.

The two spoke in mid-September.

Eleanor J. Bader: How did you become involved in food justice work?

Crystal FitzSimons: I’ve been at FRAC for 27 years, and my passion for food justice overlaps with my passion for achieving economic and social justice.

I grew up just outside of Toledo, Ohio, in a household where my mom was passionate about these issues. I remember her telling me that at some point, I’d have to explain what I’d done in my life. The message was strong that I needed to work hard to benefit all people, to lift my voice and not give up when times were hard.

In addition, I know that hunger and poverty disproportionately impact women and children, and I feel strongly that we need to overcome hunger and poverty so that families can have what they need to thrive.

Bader: The current federal administration obviously feels differently. What are FRAC’s priorities for pushing back against cutbacks and fighting forward to expand access to food and nutrition programs?

FitzSimons: SNAP has done a great job in reducing food insecurity and making sure that kids are not hungry at home. But our president and Congress just decided to make unprecedented cuts to SNAP, and plan to slash $187 billion in food aid over the next 10 years. 

We need to work on mitigating the harm that this will cause.

We are working at the state and federal levels and are collecting stories of different people who will be directly impacted by the cuts—the grandmother who relies on SNAP and helps watch her grandchildren while her daughter is at work; disabled people who use SNAP to support their independence; and older adults who are no longer able to work. We share their stories because we know that the real experiences of real people are critical in helping lawmakers and others understand who benefits from SNAP.  

SNAP has done a great job in reducing food insecurity and making sure that kids are not hungry at home. But our president and Congress just decided to make unprecedented cuts to SNAP.

Crystal FitzSimons

In addition, FRAC does a lot of research and data collection which we share with state and federal legislators. 

We know, for example, that every dollar spent on SNAP generates up to $1.80 in economic activity at the community level during economic downturns. This is why we’re advocating and staying on message to remind lawmakers that SNAP and school meals are incredibly important in reducing hunger.

We’re also pushing Congress to repeal all the SNAP cuts. Congress has the power to undo them by passing a bill, sponsored by Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Congresswomen Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and Angie Craig (D-MN). It’s called the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025. If passed, the bill will stop the expansion of punitive work rules and time limits on more SNAP recipients and allow the cost of Internet service to be included as a utility fee when doing budget calculations to determine program eligibility. These changes will help ensure that hunger and poor nutrition do not ramp up.

Bader: We know that when kids are hungry, they have trouble paying attention in class. How has FRAC supported school meals programs so that kids have access to the food they need to focus and learn?

FitzSimons: Kids are in school for at least six hours a day, and we need to ensure that they have access to nutritious food so that they can do well. In some places, public schools certify kids for free or reduced-cost meals after an application is submitted. But we know that there is a lot of stigma around this, and by middle and high school, many older kids don’t participate in the program even if they need it. This is why schools that provide free breakfast and lunch to every student are so important. Congress can make sure that all schools do this. In the meantime, nine states currently provide free breakfast and lunch to every student: California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York and Vermont.

… every dollar spent on SNAP generates up to $1.80 in economic activity at the community level during economic downturns.

Bader: Despite food supports like SNAP, school meals, children’s summer nutrition programs and programs specifically geared to pregnant women, newborns, infants and toddlers, food pantries throughout the country have been a lifeline for hungry people. How are they doing?

FitzSimons: The SNAP benefits provided have never been high enough, so pantries have always been an essential support to fill in the gaps for people who are struggling. The fact that so many people are expected to lose benefits will put additional pressure on them. But I want to stress that SNAP provides nine meals for every one meal that is provided by a food pantry. They can’t make up for these draconian cutbacks. 

Needless to say, everyone working in food security is currently scrambling and worrying about how they’ll meet the need once the cuts take effect. SNAP has, for decades, helped feed people in their homes. School-based breakfast and lunch provision provides food to kids 180 days a year. Childcare centers help support the dietary needs of children, infants and toddlers who are enrolled. After-school programs give kids access to nutrition, often including supper. Summer food programs help feed kids when school is not in session.

We’ve found that food is the most fungible part of a family’s budget. Rent and childcare costs are fixed and typically high, so people look to food pantries. This is why we should be expanding the reach of federal nutrition programs. Instead, because of funding cuts, they’re contracting and will likely continue to shrink unless our government decides to invest in people and do better.

Bader: Research has also repeatedly shown that SNAP and other social programs make it possible for people to live healthier lives. Why is the right so hellbent on cutbacks and retrenchment?

FitzSimons: For decades, our country’s leadership has understood that there’s a need for programs that support economic security, with lots of different pieces, to support the health and well-being of the population. Access to nutritious food is part of this. Food access enhances kids’ ability to learn and adults’ ability to perform well at work. But some Republican lawmakers seem oblivious to the fact that our economic system is failing a lot of people, a huge number of whom are being squeezed in every direction. Rising food costs, rising housing costs, rising childcare costs and rising healthcare costs are already putting an enormous strain on thousands of families. 

To me, this reflects both a lack of understanding and a lack of compassion on the part of lawmakers. They seem to think that budget cuts will help people achieve self-sufficiency, but, really, work rules will simply reduce the rolls, not reduce hunger or increase employment. In addition, older workers often face job discrimination because of ageism, and those who care for elders and children are squeezed because there is no one else to do this work. At one point, when the budget bill was being debated, there was talk of carving out work rule exemptions for veterans, youth exiting foster care and those caring for children and older relatives, but the idea was abandoned.

Our job, at FRAC, is to build the political will to force lawmakers to change course. It’s critically important that all of us are part of the solution.

Bader: Tell me about the coalitions that FRAC is part of.

FitzSimons: FRAC has always worked in partnership with other organizations. We are now working with many national groups that see hunger in the context of poverty, and together, we’re pushing for a livable wage, a more progressive tax system, economic security for all, and affordable childcare. We’re part of an effort, convened by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, called Opportunity Starts at Home, to advocate for better, more equitable housing policies. We’re also part of the Coalition on Human Needs. Finally, we’re leaning in very closely with our childcare and out-of-school partners to ensure that they have the resources to keep children well fed during the summer months and when schools are closed. We know that the success of these programs relies on access to nutritious food for the health and well-being of children. 

Bader: Despite the Trump administration’s overt hostility to the people who are struggling to make ends meet, FRAC and other food justice groups have made significant inroads in alleviating hunger. What are you most proud of?

FitzSimons: I’m proud that we helped move the needle on childcare, on expanding WIC, and on promoting healthy school meals. During the Biden administration, SNAP benefits were increased by $1.19 per person per day. Average daily benefits are only $6.20, so it dramatically helped. That this modest gain might be undone illustrates that we have a lot of work to do to mitigate harm, help educate SNAP recipients about their rights and pressure states to do what they can to minimize the devastating impact of federal cutbacks. 

While hunger is hunger, rural areas have higher rates of food insecurity and poverty than urban areas. Transportation is often an issue in remote locations, and there may not be any large grocery stores for miles. There are also logistical challenges for schools that don’t have the same economies of scale as urban schools; they may face difficulties getting food to students during breaks and summer recess. We modify our work to reflect these different realities.

Bader: How do you maintain your optimism despite the endless attacks we’re seeing on progressive ideas, the poor and workers? 

FitzSimons: FRAC has a phenomenal staff of about 40 people, and I feel very lucky that I get to work with them. I also love working with our network of state and local advocates from across the country, as well as our national coalition partners. I enjoy spending time with my family, and I have great friends. And I run, which helps clear my head.

I really can’t imagine not doing this work, especially at this moment. We have to push back. Frankly, it would be harder for me not to be involved.