Trump's Policy Bill will Cut SNAP Benefits for Millions of Children: A Picture Book Response

Ft. Picture Books to Raise Awareness for Food Insecurity and Advocate for Anti-Hunger Programs

As Congress debates Trump’s 2025 “Big Beautiful Bill,” one of the most alarming impacts is the deep cuts proposed to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This bill threatens to strip nearly $300 billion from the program over the next decade, drastically tightening eligibility by introducing stricter work requirements for adults, raising the age thresholds, and mandating 80 hours of work per month even for parents of children as young as seven.

These changes would affect millions of families, but it’s children who will suffer most. Millions of children rely on SNAP (in fact estimates suggest about 4 million kids may lose access if this bill passes), and without this food assistance, these children will grow up with food insecurity. Studies have shown that food insecurity has long-term effects on children’s physical health, emotional well-being, and academic success, and for many kids, SNAP is the difference between going to school hungry or nourished, and between struggling to concentrate or thriving in the classroom.

SNAP is more than “food stamps,” it’s a lifeline for low-income families and children, and especially as the cost of living continues to rise, we owe it to the next generation to protect ~ and strengthen ~ this critical support.

The Bill is Currently Pending before the House of Representatives. Call your Rep to tell them to Vote NO: Use this site to help you contact your local rep

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Picture Books to Raise Awareness for Food Insecurity and Advocate for Anti-Food Programs

Picture books can be powerful tools for helping children understand what food insecurity looks like ~ and why programs like SNAP matter. This curated list of picture books highlights themes of childhood hunger, community care, and the importance of access to food. These stories open the door to important conversations about destigmatizing food assistance, and about how we can all play a part in advocating for anti-hunger programs. Read and share these titles to help children build empathy ~ while learning that no one should ever have to go to bed hungry.

Find the Full List on Amazon | Bookshop, or click on individual titles linked below:

Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt | Tells the story of two best friends, Sofia and Maddi, and the secret Sofia discovers: Maddi’s family doesn’t have enough food. As Sofia wrestles with how to help while honoring her friend’s trust, this heartfelt book gently raises awareness about poverty and hunger, while teaching empathy, friendship, and the power of taking action.

Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O’Neill | Molly and her mom visit their local food pantry when they don’t have enough to eat. Molly feels grateful ~ until she spots her classmate Caitlin, who feels ashamed to be there. With kindness and empathy, Molly helps Caitlin understand that everyone needs help sometimes, and there’s no shame in accepting support.

Lulu and the Hunger Monster by Erik Talkin | When money for food runs low, Lulu is followed by the Hunger Monster ~ a sneaky, invisible creature that makes school and life harder. She’s promised never to talk about it, but staying silent doesn’t make things better.

Pa, Me, and Our Sidewalk Pantry by Toni Buzzeo | Jelly Bean and Pa love sharing stories through their neighborhood sidewalk library ~ but when they realize some neighbors might need more than books, they take action. Together, they build a sidewalk pantry to share food and essentials, creating a space rooted in generosity and care.

Leo’s Lunchbox by Raphael G. Warnock | Leo usually brings the same baloney sandwich to school for lunch, and while his mom does her best, he dreams of having more. When she gets a new job and gifts him a yard sale lunch box, something magical happens ~ his lunches start to multiply! As Leo begins sharing his food with others, he discovers the joy of generosity and the magic of community care.

After the Shelter by Brenda Reeves Sturgis | Lily and her mom transition from living in a shelter to moving into their own apartment. Though Lily feels nervous about the changes, she finds comfort in new routines, a kind neighbor, the ability to choose their own foods at the store through food assistance programs, and the chance to make new friends.

Our Little Kitchen by Jillian Tamaki | In a bustling kitchen filled with fresh produce and helping hands, neighbors come together to prepare a shared meal using whatever they have. Helpers serve as neighbors wait and anticipate the joy of sharing in a time of need.

Food for Hope by Jeff Gottesfeld | This inspiring true story follows John van Hengel, an ordinary person who took extraordinary action to fight hunger. By creatively connecting food waste with food insecurity, he developed a simple, powerful solution that feeds hungry people while reducing waste.

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Here’s to raising our young readers and future leaders~

Happy Reading,

Maya