For Alicia Spradley, a resident of Chicago, the journey began with a simple yet heartfelt prayer. As news broke that federal food aid would be paused at the start of November due to the government shutdown, Spradley felt a wave of concern wash over her. With local food banks already stretched thin, she feared for the well-being of her neighbors who might soon face hunger. On that Monday night, she closed her eyes and asked, "What can I do to help?" Little did she know, her outreach would spark a community movement.
A few hours after her prayer, Spradley stumbled upon a post in a local Facebook community group seeking individuals to become a grocery buddy. This role involved purchasing groceries for strangers or anyone at risk of losing their food benefits. Without a moment's hesitation, Spradley crafted her own message, offering her support to those in need. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a funding shortfall for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, past October. This announcement left nearly 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits in a precarious situation, as their debit-like EBT cards faced the risk of not being replenished this month.
While some states have pledged funding to bridge the gap, uncertainty looms over how long this support can last. In a significant ruling on Friday, a federal judge ordered the USDA to utilize emergency funds to keep the SNAP program operational and mandated an update by the following Monday. The response from the Trump administration remains to be seen.
In light of the uncertainty surrounding SNAP, a wave of individuals across the nation has taken to social media to participate in an informal grocery buddy system until benefits can be restored. Some participants are sending gift cards, while others are shopping and delivering groceries directly to those in need. In her neighborhood of Rogers Park, Spradley was pleasantly surprised to receive responses from over two dozen individuals—some seeking assistance themselves, while others pointed her to friends or neighbors requiring support.
"I did not think that in just a short period of time we would get that much interest," said Spradley, who also runs Plate & Pathways, a small nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity. The SNAP program is the largest anti-hunger initiative in the United States, primarily assisting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. Spradley noted that many individuals reaching out for help were elderly or working families who struggled to find the time to visit local food pantries. "I'm glad that people have the courage to reach out and ask for help," she remarked.
Stories of compassion and community support are emerging nationwide. Hannah Coburn, a night-shift nurse in Spokane, Washington, experienced a similar situation when she posted a callout on her private Facebook account. Initially, the replies came from friends supporting her idea. However, a message from an acquaintance she had met only a few times brought a new perspective. The acquaintance, who had been hesitant to reach out, shared that she had initially set aside money for groceries but had to use it for unexpected car repairs.
Coburn's experience highlights a crucial point: anyone could be reliant on SNAP benefits, and often the only way to uncover who needs help is to offer it first. "I hope that more people see that and think, 'Oh, I could do something and maybe it could be helping someone I actually know,'" she expressed.
Others, like Karie Fugett, an author from Dothan, Alabama, are motivated by their own experiences with financial hardship. Having grown up on food stamps and facing periods of homelessness, Fugett now supports two families on SNAP, contributing over $1,000. "I am lucky right now to be able to afford groceries and rent, but I haven't forgotten that in the past, that wasn't the case," she said. Fugett's frustration is palpable as she reflects on the ongoing government shutdown and its impact on vulnerable families. "It's especially upsetting that it's because the people we voted into office are not doing their job," she lamented.
While the grocery buddy initiative offers immediate relief, the looming changes in SNAP could create enduring challenges. In North Carolina's Outer Banks, Micah Iverson recently delivered groceries to a single mother of four. The experience was eye-opening for him. "I've never bought baby diapers before," he reflected, acknowledging their high cost. Iverson used a $300 gift card he won at a trivia game to pay for the groceries. The emotional exchange during the delivery left both him and the mother in tears as she expressed her gratitude, saying, "I really didn't know what I was gonna do, so thank you." Although his contribution was temporary, Iverson plans to continue checking in and assisting if SNAP benefits remain in limbo.
The disruption of federal food and nutrition assistance isn't just a short-term issue. Following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July, SNAP has faced budget cuts and new eligibility requirements. Starting this month, states must implement stricter work requirements to qualify for aid, a change that could potentially strip 2.4 million people of their benefits.
As Spradley continues to navigate her role as a grocery buddy, she is actively seeking ways to sustain this community support long-term. "We're trying to figure this out as a community to ensure that we are not leaving anybody out and coming up with solutions as we go," she said. Just recently, she met with a mother who was anxious about how to feed her seven children. After pooling cash from her wallet and donations, Spradley handed it over to the mother, who surprised her by offering to help in return. "Anything that you know I can do to help you guys, let me know," the mother said, demonstrating that even those in need can contribute to their community.
The stories of Alicia Spradley and others illustrate the power of community support in times of crisis. As the government grapples with the ongoing shutdown and its implications on programs like SNAP, the grassroots efforts of individuals stepping up to become grocery buddies highlight the importance of compassion and collective action in combating food insecurity.
