U.S. Senator Chris Murphy and U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1) have introduced a joint resolution designating September 8–12, 2025, as Malnutrition Awareness Week, citing growing concerns over food insecurity and deep funding cuts to nutrition programs.
More than 40 million Americans face food insecurity, including an estimated seven million children in 2023 alone. Older adults face additional risks, with disease-related malnutrition in this population costing the U.S. over $51.3 billion annually. The resolution aims to raise national awareness of these health risks, while also recognizing the critical role of federal nutrition programs and community-based organizations in mitigating malnutrition’s lasting effects on public health, educational outcomes, and healthcare costs.
The resolution comes in direct response to the GOP’s passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which slashes nearly $200 billion from SNAP and other food assistance programs.
“SNAP, along with free and reduced school meals, are a lifeline for millions of vulnerable children and seniors facing malnutrition and all of the health issues that come with not having enough to eat. With their ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’, Donald Trump and Republicans are literally ripping food away from hungry kids just so billionaires and corporations can get a tax cut. It’s unconscionable and I remain committed to raising awareness about the devastating impact this Republican policy will have on our efforts to fight malnutrition,” said Murphy.
“This issue is personal to me, as it is for many Americans. Because of SNAP, then known as food stamps, I had enough to eat when I worked my way through college. No one in our country should go hungry, but Trump and the GOP are gutting SNAP and other food assistance programs to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. This is an attack on working families, their children, and other vulnerable Americans. This Malnutrition Awareness Week I am continuing the fight against these devastating cuts,” said Bonamici.
The full resolution can be found at https://www.murphy.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/malnutrition_awareness_week_resolution1.pdf
