Fact Check: "575,000 Kentuckians could be affected by cuts to food stamps."
What We Know
The claim that "575,000 Kentuckians could be affected by cuts to food stamps" is rooted in recent legislative proposals that aim to significantly reduce funding and restructure the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Kentucky. According to a report by Kentucky Policy published on May 15, 2025, the proposed House budget plan includes the largest cuts to federal food assistance in the history of SNAP. If implemented, these cuts could potentially eliminate or reduce food assistance for many of the 575,800 Kentuckians currently receiving help with groceries through SNAP.
The proposed changes would require states to cover a portion of SNAP benefits for the first time in 50 years, which would place a financial burden on Kentucky's budget, potentially affecting the number of individuals who can receive assistance (Kentucky Policy). Additionally, the plan expands reporting requirements that could put food assistance at risk for an estimated 135,000 older adults and children (Kentucky Policy).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from multiple credible sources, including reports from Kentucky Policy and news articles from local media outlets. The Kentucky Policy report details the specific provisions of the House budget plan, including the requirement for states to contribute to SNAP funding and the expansion of paperwork requirements that could disqualify many recipients from receiving benefits (Kentucky Policy).
Furthermore, a report from Fox 56 News corroborates these findings, emphasizing that the proposed cuts could affect over 575,000 Kentuckians. The report highlights the potential impact on food access and the increased vulnerability of low-income families, particularly children and older adults, who rely on SNAP for their nutritional needs.
While the claim is supported by substantial evidence, it is important to note that the proposal is still under consideration and has not yet been enacted into law. Therefore, while the potential impact is significant, it remains contingent upon legislative approval.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "575,000 Kentuckians could be affected by cuts to food stamps" is accurate based on the current legislative proposals and the data provided by credible sources. The proposed changes to SNAP would indeed place a substantial number of Kentuckians at risk of losing their food assistance, particularly as the state would be required to shoulder a portion of the costs for the first time in decades.
