Canned Foods: A Lifeline for Low-Income Americans
For individuals like 20-year-old Cale Johnson, canned foods such as tuna, beans, and Spam are essential dietary staples. Living in Omaha, Nebraska, Johnson juggles two part-time jobs while attending college full-time, relying on these affordable, long-lasting items to sustain himself. The recent decision by the Trump administration to double tariffs on steel and aluminum has raised concerns about the affordability of these crucial food items. Johnson, who has previously utilized the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), notes a growing sense of urgency among peers to stock up on non-perishable goods before prices potentially rise.
Tariffs Threaten to Increase Food Prices
The implementation of a 50% tariff on imported steel and aluminum, effective June 4, 2025, aims to bolster domestic metal industries. However, industry experts warn that this move could inadvertently raise food prices, particularly for canned goods that depend on tinplate steel. The Can Manufacturers Institute highlights that approximately 80% of tinplate steel used in U.S. can production is imported, and the increased tariffs could lead to a 9% to 15% rise in canned food prices.
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SNAP Cuts Compound Food Insecurity
Simultaneously, proposed reductions to SNAP—the nation’s primary anti-hunger program—could exacerbate food insecurity. The Republican House budget bill suggests significant cuts to SNAP, potentially affecting millions, including 2 million children. Gina Plata-Nino of the Food Research & Action Center warns that the combination of rising food prices and reduced assistance may force families to make difficult choices between essentials like food, housing, and transportation.
Food Banks Face Increased Strain
Hunger relief organizations, such as Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, rely heavily on canned goods due to their shelf stability and nutritional value. Executive Director Michelle Orge expresses concern that increased costs from tariffs may limit the variety and quantity of food the organization can procure and distribute. Additionally, higher prices might deter donations of non-perishable items, further straining resources.
Domestic Production Insufficient to Meet Demand
The U.S. domestic production of tinplate steel has declined, with only three tin mill lines remaining operational after previous tariff implementations led to plant closures. This shortfall necessitates reliance on imports to meet demand. Industry leaders, including CEOs from Del Monte, Goya Foods, Bush’s Beans, and Hormel Foods, have appealed for targeted tariff relief on tin mill steel and aluminum produced by allies such as Canada, emphasizing the risk to both consumers and domestic food producers.
Broader Economic Implications
While the intent behind the tariffs is to revitalize U.S. manufacturing, the ripple effects may lead to increased costs across various industries, including food production and distribution. Economists caution that these measures could result in higher consumer prices and potential job losses in sectors reliant on imported materials. As food insecurity remains a pressing issue, the combined impact of tariffs and assistance program cuts could further burden vulnerable populations.
