In just over a week, nearly 42 million people in the U.S. could lose their federal food assistance due to the ongoing government shutdown. This shutdown threatens the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps about 1 in 8 Americans buy food. On average, SNAP provides around $187 a month per person.
For many, like Shari Jablonowski from Pennsylvania, this assistance is crucial. She worries about losing the $291 in food aid her disabled nephew receives monthly, which she has been helping with since he was a child. “This month, I could not afford to pay gas or electric bills,” she says. Instead, she prioritized her car payment to attend necessary appointments.
Experts like Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, warn that if SNAP can no longer operate, we may see unprecedented hunger levels in America—comparable to the Great Depression. SNAP is often the only direct cash support for low-income families, especially since cash welfare programs have been cut drastically over the past few decades.
Moreover, another program providing nutritional support to 7 million pregnant women and new parents is also on the brink of running out of funds. Although some states attempt to fill these gaps with state funding, not all have the resources available.
With SNAP funding expected to run out on November 1, pressure is mounting on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to find a solution. The agency has warned that SNAP payments are on hold until further notice, and the situation continues to worsen due to ongoing political disagreements.
States and food banks are gearing up for increased demand. Virginia has declared a state of emergency to provide food benefits, while California will deploy National Guard troops to assist food banks. However, experts believe that charity efforts won’t be enough to cover the loss of billions in federal aid.
“For many families, this loss could be catastrophic,” Berg adds. Awareness and support for food assistance programs are critical in navigating these challenging times. People like Shari are already turning to food pantries for help, unsure of how they will manage without SNAP.
Overall, the potential loss of SNAP poses a serious threat to food security in the U.S., impacting millions during an already difficult period. It’s essential for lawmakers to recognize the importance of these programs and take action to ensure that assistance continues without interruption.
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