A new poll underscores rising food prices are outpacing incomes, forcing difficult tradeoffs between basic needs like food, housing, and health care.
In a recent Maryland Matters article, a survey for No Kid Hungry found that more than eight in ten Maryland residents say food costs are rising faster than their earnings. Nearly two-thirds reported having to choose between buying food or paying for other essentials such as rent, gas, car repairs, or medical treatment. For families with children, that figure climbs to 71 percent.
From the Maryland Matters article:
The poll followed passage of federal legislation that makes permanent tax cuts made in 2017. The cuts are offset, in part, by cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The poll also revealed widespread public concern about child hunger in Maryland. Ninety-six percent of respondents agreed that no child should go hungry in the state, and more than eight in ten said elected officials should do more to address the issue. Ninety-three percent believe ending child hunger should be a bipartisan priority.
The findings come as Maryland prepares for significant fiscal and policy shifts tied to federal changes in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.
As of now, Maryland shares SNAP administrative costs equally with the federal government, while the federal government covers 100 percent of the benefit. Starting next year, the state’s share of administrative costs will rise to 75 percent, an estimated $173 million annually. By 2027, Maryland will also be responsible for 15 percent of SNAP benefit costs, adding roughly $240 million more. Nearly 370,000 Marylanders could lose part or all of their benefits, according to a report from the Urban Institute.
The poll further showed that nearly six in ten Marylanders view SNAP favorably, and more than 80 percent want the state to continue its summer meals program to help children when school is not in session.
