When Congress passed the Big Beautiful Bill in 2025, SNAP benefits for millions of Americans happened to be a part of it. Reductions and new work requirements changed how the federal program would be implemented moving forward.  

In New Mexico, a state where 21% of the population receives such benefits, children were among those most impacted. The New Mexican reported in July that 55% — or roughly 10,000 kids — have lost their aid so far.   

Other SNAP requirements, taking effect this November, would require stores to meet a certain threshold as well, possibly creating further challenges.  

As a result of the bill’s passage, nonprofits and foodbanks are giving back to help fill the food scarcity needs plaguing our country and state.  

The LOR Foundation, which serves various communities throughout the Mountain West, is one partner in that fight.   

On the latest “Conversations Different” podcast, host Inez Russell Gomez is joined by Bill Jaeger, strategic initiatives officer at LOR, to discuss the nonprofit’s grant programs that are supporting New Mexicans affected by SNAP cuts.  

Jaeger explains what the programs entail from providing direct support to encouraging people to consume locally and contribute to homegrown practices.   

Visit lorfoundation.org for more information.