The recent reopening of the federal government has brought relief to many Americans, especially those relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food. A new study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst reveals that over 10% of workers in Massachusetts, or nearly 481,000 individuals, depend on SNAP benefits. Even though funding has been restored, upcoming restrictions could threaten assistance for countless workers.
“SNAP is vital for those in low-wage jobs,” says Jasmine Kerrissey, director of the Labor Center at UMass. She emphasizes that the recent government shutdown showed just how many people struggle to afford food.
This report appears amid ongoing legal challenges to the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which tightens SNAP work requirements. These changes could cut benefits for an average of 2.4 million people each month over the next decade, according to projections from the Congressional Budget Office.
In Massachusetts, the impact may be even more pronounced. Here are some key findings from the report:
- About 12% of private-sector employees, or around 347,000 people, utilize SNAP.
- Industries such as retail and healthcare employ the most people on SNAP, accounting for nearly 30% of recipients.
- Over a third of personal care assistants and home health aides receive SNAP benefits, highlighting the growing demand for these roles.
- Over 20% of cashiers, janitors, cooks, and stockers rely on the program for support.
- Counties with high rates of SNAP reliance include Hampden and Bristol, where rates exceed 14%.
The report also names major employers of SNAP recipients, including Dunkin’, Walmart, and CVS. These companies benefit from low wages and simultaneously profit from food purchases made with SNAP. “This demonstrates how low-wage business models can have high societal costs,” states Nathan Meyers, a fellow at the UMass Labor Center.
As Massachusetts lawmakers discuss how to mitigate the impacts of potential federal cuts to SNAP, advocates are urging the state to consider emergency food assistance and wage supports. The need for a solid support system is evident, especially as many working families continue to face financial challenges.
For more insights, you can read the full report, “SNAP Workers: Working People & SNAP Benefits in Massachusetts,” available online at ScholarWorks.
