Faith-based groups all over Florida have started a strong campaign to tell the state’s congressional representatives to reject federal plans to cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. They are doing this out of compassion and conviction. This project, which has been called the “Hail Mary” attempt, stresses how important it is to protect weak communities from the terrible effects of these possible cuts.
A Moral Outcry
Catalyst Miami, a nonprofit working to improve health equity and end hunger, held a virtual press conference on July 1, 2025, where religious leaders from different faiths spoke about their worries. “These families depend on SNAP, and many of them depend on Medicaid for health care,” Rev. Pam DeDea of the United Methodist Temple in Lakeland said with great worry. I can’t believe lawmakers would think this is okay.
The need for food pantries in Jacksonville was brought up by Rev. Catherine Montgomery of Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church. She said, “We are barely able to make a dent in the steadily increasing community need…” If cuts are made to SNAP payments, there is no way to make up the difference.
The Legislative Context
The Senate has passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which is a broad tax and spending plan backed by President Trump. It is now being looked at by the House of Representatives. This bill calls for big changes to Medicaid, like making people work, which could cut the number of people who qualify by millions. The bill also gives more financial responsibility for SNAP to the states, which could mean less money for benefits and more people not having enough food to eat.
Faith-Based Advocacy
Faith leaders stress that the planned budget cuts are not just policy choices, but also moral choices that will have huge effects on people. The CEO of Florida Impact, Kim Johnson, said, “The proposed cuts to SNAP and Medicaid are more than just policy decisions; they are moral decisions that put the lives and well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors at risk.”
Rabbi Jessica Jacobs of Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach used religious duty as an excuse, saying, “This duty is just as important now as it was in ancient times.” Everything that everyone needs should be given to them. As we know it, this is not an idea. It is a mitzvah, which means “moral duty.”
Community Impact
There are about 5.5 million Medicaid recipients and almost 3 million SNAP users living in Florida. The suggested changes might make things worse for people who are already struggling, like children, adults, and people with disabilities, by increasing hunger, health disparities, and financial stress. Community groups say that food banks and social services in the area are not ready to handle the extra demand that these cuts will cause.
Call to Action
In response, faith-based organizations are getting their members and communities to call their lawmakers, show support at protests, and speak out in favor of protecting these important programs. People should remember through the “Hail Mary” ad that they can’t be quiet during moral crises. “When the policies of the powerful hurt the most vulnerable, those who follow Jesus cannot remain silent or do nothing,” said Rev. Tim May of the United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches.
In conclusion
Faith leaders in Florida are leading a very important moral war. They are fighting to keep SNAP and Medicaid going so that the state’s most vulnerable people don’t get left behind. Together, they speak with a strong voice that shows how committed they are to justice, compassion, and everyone’s natural worth.
