Two decades ago, Sara Carlson, a mother of three, found herself newly single due to a traumatic event. At that time, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program, played a crucial role in helping her provide for her children with essential food supplies. "I wouldn’t have been able to afford to live," shared Carlson, now 45 and residing in Rochester, Minnesota. Today, she works as an operations manager for a wealth-management firm and actively serves on the board of Channel One Regional Food Bank, an organization dedicated to improving food access.
While SNAP was instrumental in supporting Carlson during her challenging times, she faced a setback when the government cut off her benefits after a few years due to her increased income. This situation left her once again grappling with the anxiety of securing enough food for her family. Currently, nearly 42 million people across the United States may be at risk of losing similar benefits if the federal government shutdown continues and SNAP funding is halted on November 1. Experts warn that this could lead to a severe crisis in food insecurity.
Joel Berg, the CEO of Hunger Free America, stated, "We will have the greatest hunger catastrophe in America since the Great Depression, and I don’t say that as hyperbole." SNAP is designed to support working families with low-paying jobs, seniors aged 60 and older, and individuals with disabilities living on fixed incomes. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, SNAP participants typically must have incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty line, with the average participant receiving around $187 monthly.
Recently, the Department of Agriculture sent a warning to regional SNAP directors indicating that funding would run out by the end of the month, instructing them to suspend payments "until further notice." In response, over 200 Democratic representatives have urged the USDA to utilize contingency funds to continue providing SNAP benefits. "There are clear steps the administration can and must take immediately to ensure that millions of families across the country can put food on their table in November," the lawmakers stated in their letter to the USDA.
Despite these concerns, Democrats have withheld support for a funding resolution aimed at reopening the government, insisting that the legislation must also address healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which were cut during the Trump administration and are set to expire soon. A spokesperson for the USDA has attributed the impending loss of SNAP benefits to the Democrats' actions, claiming, “We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats.” However, this assertion is misleading, as undocumented immigrants are not eligible for Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Brittany, a 38-year-old mother of three from Greenup, Kentucky, understands the importance of SNAP firsthand. Working 35 to 40 hours each week as a home health nurse, she has received SNAP benefits for several years. "It’s not like I receive benefits and not work," Brittany emphasized, countering the misconception that those on food stamps do not contribute to society. She explains that SNAP helps her cover "most of the necessities throughout the month," allowing her to pay cash for the remaining expenses.
If SNAP funding is cut off, Brittany fears she will have to take on weekend shifts to make up the difference, which would drastically reduce her time with her children. Despite her struggles, she voices her support for Trump and places the blame for the government shutdown on the Democrats, asserting, "They are not agreeing on anything that the Republicans offer." This sentiment reflects the complex intersection of political decisions and the everyday realities faced by families relying on food assistance.
The potential loss of SNAP benefits poses a critical threat to millions of American families. As discussions continue in Congress, the urgent need for solutions to maintain food security remains paramount. Advocates stress the importance of bipartisan cooperation to ensure that vulnerable populations can access the support they need to thrive.
