WASHINGTON (July 20, 2026) — The following statement was issued by Eric Mitchell, president of the Alliance to End Hunger, following the repeal and published revision of the Public Charge rule at the Department of Homeland Security:
“The Administration is making it harder for people to improve their lives, support their families, and contribute to our nation’s growth and prosperity. Under this rule, individuals living in the United States legally who are eligible for temporary food assistance may now have to think twice about whether or how they can feed their families.
When people who need food assistance are afraid to apply for benefits or even shop at a grocery store, families and communities suffer. This policy’s chilling effect could increase hunger, worsen health, and increase strain on food banks and local medical facilities. Children will likely be hit the hardest.
Penalizing hardworking people who are following the law is counterproductive and is an assault on our country’s values. We urge the Administration to consider the damage that this harmful policy shift will cause and reverse course immediately.”
