As lawmakers in Washington D.C. consider a budget proposal to slash taxes, advocates in Minnesota are warning of the potential for devastating consequences for hundreds of thousands in the state.

The non-partisan Food Research and Action Center says more than 458,000 Minnesotans rely on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits to put food on the table. The nonprofit says SNAP also offers nine meals to every one that a local pantry can provide.

The FRAC study also found that among the Minnesota households relying on SNAP benefits:

• 45% are with children 
• 49% are with a person with a disability
• 35% have older adults in them
• 10,989 veterans rely on SNAP

The CEO of Second Harvest Heartland, Allison O'Toole, says she fears the impact of potential SNAP cuts during the budget talks in Washington. 

"We've seen food insecurity rates skyrocket in the last four years. We're at an all-time high right now," said O'Toole. "We are in a hunger crisis already. If these proposals are enacted, it'll be catastrophic."

To do her part, O'Toole is flying to Washington this week to meet with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and the House Committee on Agriculture to advocate for hunger relief policy.

"I'm making a special trip [on Monday] because it's a critical time," said O'Toole.

While cuts are not official yet, O'Toole hopes people will give money, food donations or service hours to Minnesota food shelves to prepare for what's a possibility.

"This is a solvable issue and if there's one state that can do it, it is ours. We just need everyone to join forces to make sure we can do it," said O'Toole.

FRAC's study found that 703,430 people in Wisconsin use SNAP.