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Good afternoon,
At the end of last week, Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago was chosen as the first American pope. In his first remarks, Pope Leo XIV called for peace. Within a few days, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to claim credit for the new pope in a ridiculous post. While this is unsurprising and laughable coming from our president, the U.S. president and American Catholics have nothing to do with the conclave process. It will be interesting to see the dynamics between the new pope and the Trump administration play out, given that Pope Leo has publicly criticized U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
Here are a few important updates...
AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR SNAP AND USDA
Tonight, the House Agriculture Committee is set to debate its reconciliation bill text which includes the largest overhaul to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in decades. The Agriculture Committee is required to cut $230 billion in spending over 10 years. Republican committee members have considered various ways to reach that number including cutting benefits or forcing states to pay for part of SNAP. In 2024, roughly 41.7 million Americans used SNAP benefits which is more than 12% of the U.S. population. According to POLITICO, "Some Republicans have pushed back against the committee's original flat-rate cost-sharing proposal." Additionally, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein recently spoke out against the GOP's plan to distribute some SNAP costs to states. In a letter to lawmakers, Stein stated, "I urge Congress to reject any proposals that would force states to cost-share and pay for SNAP benefits for the first time in the program's history and instead, to strengthen this vital program so it can continue to serve North Carolinians in their times of need."
On top of this, the future of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains uncertain. About 15,000 USDA employees have taken buyouts since President Trump returned to the White House. This is nearly 14% of the department's workforce. According to Successful Farming, former USDA Undersecretary Robert Bonnie is very concerned about the downsizing and reorganization of the department and their ability to recruit new people who are as dedicated to the mission of USDA as those who were fired or decided to leave under the Trump administration. With the reconciliation process underway in Congress, many programs and issues like SNAP and the farm bill are on the line. The actions of this administration are very concerning, and we must continue to take a stand for farmers and rural Americans who rely on these programs and the USDA to help them thrive.
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Each week, this newsletter highlights what's going on in rural states, counties, and communities, and what One Country Project is up to around the country. If you value this content, please consider donating to One Country Project. Your contribution supports our efforts to connect with rural voters and to promote greater opportunities for rural communities.
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FOOD BANKS ARE IN A PINCH
Food banks and small communities across the U.S. are finding themselves in a pinch amid high demand and cuts to federal aid programs. The Daily Yonder reports that "food bank managers across the country say their supplies have been strained by rising demand since the covid pandemic-era emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits ended two years ago and steepening food prices." Demand is now compounded by recent cuts in federal funding to food distribution programs that help keep pantries nationwide properly equipped with essential food items. The USDA cut $500 million from the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) in March. This program helps supplement the diets of low-income individuals by providing them with free emergency food assistance.
The combination of increasing demand and declining support for TEFAP will have negative repercussions for rural America. Additionally, farmers will also be impacted as many benefit from the USDA programs that allot their products to food banks and schools. According to the USDA, about 47 million people lived in food-insecure households in 2023. Food security continues to be a real issue here in America, yet the USDA is facing destabilization and uncertain reorganization. Food banks are doing hard work on the ground and need continued support from the federal government to ensure food-insecure people are not left behind. It's time for this administration to stop the extremist agenda and start making smart decisions that will actually support rural Americans.
2025 RURAL PROGRESS SUMMIT
This summer you can join One Country Project board members, influential speakers, policy experts, national leaders, and rural advocates for the 4th annual Rural Progress Summit July 8th - 10th. The keynote conversation will feature Sec. Pete Buttigieg in a virtual fireside chat with Sen. Heitkamp. As a former Transportation Secretary and small city mayor, Pete Buttigieg has the ability to speak knowledgeably and clearly on the biggest issues facing our country. The Rural Progress Summit explores ideas and policies that will shape the future of rural America.
Details:
What: One Country Project Rural Progress Summit
When: Tuesday, July 8th – Thursday, July 10th, 2025
Where: Online, hosted on Zoom
Register now!
NUMBER OF THE WEEK
$173 billion: This amount (per year today) that obesity costs the U.S. healthcare system. In almost half of the states, more than one in three adults has been diagnosed as obese. The prevalence of obesity among rural Americans is six times higher. Unfortunately, rural Americans are often left behind by our country's healthcare system. As the Trump administration works to "Make America Healthy Again," obesity is certainly an issue they should take seriously and find viable solutions that will support rural Americans.
- May 15th – The Supreme Court will hear arguments over Trump's executive order to restrict birthright citizenship.
- June 5, 2025 – The deadline for grant applications for the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program (TASC), and Emerging Markets Program (EMP). These programs help domestic producers find international markets.
WHAT WE'RE READING
Be sure to follow the One Country Project on Bluesky, Twitter, Facebook and Substack, and listen to The Hot Dish podcast.
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