In Maryville, Tennessee, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee is bracing for increased demand due to proposed cuts to SNAP benefits in President Donald Trump’s tax and spending plan. According to Jon Rice, a communications strategist for Second Harvest, food insecurity in the 18 counties they serve has risen by 12,000 people over the past year, with 202,000 individuals facing limited or uncertain access to food.

The food bank, already impacted by earlier USDA restructuring, relies on a mix of staple foods, including fresh and frozen meats, vegetables, nuts, and dried fruits, which are costly on the open market. The proposed SNAP cuts, including expanded work requirements for people aged 55 to 64, parents of children over 14, and veterans, are expected to affect over 22 million families, according to the Urban Institute.

Congressman Tim Burchett, who supported the plan, argues the cuts target system abusers rather than vulnerable groups like single mothers, and believes they will free up economic resources in the long term despite causing discomfort. Rice emphasized that food banks will see increased reliance as SNAP benefits diminish, and while agencies like United Way provide grants, community support through financial donations or volunteering at distribution centers and food drives is critical to meet the growing need.