More Americans are hungry in the face of federal cuts, rising grocery prices

Rising grocery prices and federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have increased hunger among Americans, with food pantries like Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry near St. Louis adapting to higher costs and surging demand. Over 4 million Americans lost SNAP benefits since February 2025 due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which ended exemptions for work requirements, exacerbating food insecurity for vulnerable groups.