SNAP LTE TEMPLATES 2025

Guidelines:

• Limit your LTE to 150-250 words or check the news outlet’s LTE guidelines online for an exact word limit and the best way to submit the LTE 

• Make clear that there’s broad support for investing in child nutrition and SNAP 

• Include a clear statement on the problem at hand, and a call to action 

• Include your personal story and why it has made you a strong advocate  

• Include your name, city and daytime phone number 

• Contact Louisa Spofford at lspofford@savechildren.org if you have questions 

TEMPLATE 1: IOWA EXAMPLE WITH STATE SNAP DATA 

Subject: Protect SNAP to combat child hunger in Iowa 

Dear Editor, 

Recent legislative proposals to cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $230 billion pose a significant threat to Iowa’s most vulnerable residents, especially children. In our state, nearly 11% of Iowans, including 15.4% of children, face food insecurity. This means approximately 344,550 individuals, with 110,500 of them being children, do not have reliable access to sufficient food.  

SNAP plays a crucial role in alleviating this crisis. In 2024, Iowa participants received $528.9 million in benefits, directly aiding families in need. These benefits not only help put food on the table but also stimulate our local economy; every dollar spent on SNAP generates $1.79 in economic activity. 

As a [parent/educator/community member] in [your city], I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of SNAP on families striving to provide for their children. [Add another sentence about your personal experience with SNAP, if feasible.] Reducing SNAP funding would exacerbate food insecurity, forcing more families [like mine] to make impossible choices between essentials like rent, medical bills and food. 

I urge our lawmakers to consider the profound consequences these cuts would have on Iowa’s children and families. Maintaining, if not increasing, SNAP funding is essential to combat hunger and support the well-being of our communities. 

Sincerely, 
 [Add your full name] 

[Add your city, state] 

Phone: [Add your daytime phone number] 

TEMPLATE 2: EXAMPLE MENTIONING SNAP CUTS UNDER CONSIDERATION 

Subject: Cutting SNAP Hurts Kids and Families 

Dear Editor, 

House Republicans have approved a budget resolution that calls for $230 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). To reach that number, they are considering limiting future updates to the Thrifty Food Plan, which determines SNAP benefits. These cuts would take food off the tables of millions of families — not to reduce the deficit, but to shift funds toward other programs. 

SNAP has long enjoyed bipartisan support because it works. It helps children get the nutrition they need to grow, learn and thrive. With food prices rising, families in [state] are already struggling. Weakening SNAP would mean more kids going hungry, more families forced to make impossible choices, and more harm to local economies — every $1 spent on SNAP generates $1.79 in economic activity. 

As a [parent/educator/community member], I’ve seen firsthand how SNAP keeps children fed and families stable. [Add another sentence about your personal experience with SNAP, if feasible.] That’s why I joined Save the Children Action Network to speak out for kids. Lawmakers must reject these harmful cuts and protect SNAP. Congress should invest in child nutrition — not take food away from those who need it most. 

Sincerely, 
 [Add your full name] 

[Add your city, state] 

Phone: [Add your daytime phone number] 

TEMPLATE 2: REFERENCES SNAP POLLS AND RECENT ADVOCACY ACTIVITY 

Dear Editor, 

Recent proposals to cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) threaten the well-being of millions of children and families across [your state]. At a time when food prices remain high and child hunger is a growing crisis, these cuts would be devastating. Investing in child nutrition has broad bipartisan support, with recent polling from Save the Children Action Network showing that a majority of Americans — including those in rural communities — support strengthening, not weakening, programs like SNAP. 

As a [parent/teacher/community advocate], I’ve seen firsthand how SNAP ensures that children in my community have access to the healthy meals they need to grow, learn, and thrive. [Add another sentence about your personal experience with SNAP, if feasible.] Food insecurity impacts a child’s ability to focus in school and affects long-term health outcomes. Cutting SNAP would not only harm families but also hurt local economies — every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.79 in economic activity. 

I recently met with [Representative/Senator’s name] as part of a Save the Children Action Network advocacy visit, urging them to protect SNAP. We cannot allow misguided restrictions to take food off the tables of children who need it most. 

I urge [your congressional representative(s)] to reject these harmful cuts and instead work toward policies that ensure no child in America goes hungry. Families should not have to choose between paying bills and feeding their children. 

Sincerely, 
[Your full name] 

[Your city, state] 

Phone: [Your daytime phone number]