As a social worker by training, I spent years working in the therapeutic foster care system. I have seen firsthand the critical role programs like Medicaid and SNAP play in keeping our most vulnerable safe and healthy. Today, I teach social work at the University of Southern Maine, and I continue to see the impact of federal policy on children and youth, especially when it comes to food assistance.

That’s why I’m deeply alarmed by the proposed cuts to SNAP in the current spending bill being debated in Congress. While one might assume that most college students only have to worry about studying for their next exam, the reality is that food insecurity is rampant on campuses. Even students with full scholarships often find that meals aren’t included — and many simply go hungry.

I’ve had students miss class, underperform and even consider dropping out, not because they aren’t capable, but because they can’t afford to eat. By slashing SNAP benefits, the federal spending bill would penalize those who are doing everything they can to build a better future through education.

As a longtime champion of Maine’s universities, I hope Sen. Collins will vote against any budget that makes deep cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and other programs that serve as lifelines for our state’s young people.

Natallie Gentles-Gibbs, Ph.D.
Saco