Leah Richardson from Harrison, a single mother of four and a nursing student, hasn’t received her SNAP benefits this month due to the federal government shutdown. She’s not alone. A study found that around 13% of SNAP recipients in Arkansas are employed part- or full-time, often in low-paying jobs at companies like Walmart and Tyson Foods. Without these benefits, many workers face a real risk of falling into poverty, which can harm children’s development.
“I’ve been praying a lot because it’s terrifying. My SNAP money is vital,” Leah expressed. SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, helps low-income Americans, including about 240,000 people in Arkansas—around 7.8% of the state’s population—with food costs. Typically, a recipient gets about $190 a month.
This month’s SNAP funds have been delayed due to the shutdown. The Trump administration announced plans to use a contingency fund to cover half a month’s benefits, but confusion remains about how much and how quickly aid will be disbursed. In some states, loading benefits onto SNAP cards can take up to two weeks.
Data from 2020 showed that 310,000 Arkansans received SNAP benefits, a significant increase since then. Of those, about 44,000 were working adults. Major employers in Arkansas, including Walmart and McDonald’s, play key roles in providing low-wage jobs to these recipients. In fact, Walmart ranked as one of the top employers not just in Arkansas but across many states.
Advocates like Bianca Agustin and Terrysa Guerra from United for Respect emphasize the critical nature of SNAP for families. “Losing these benefits is devastating for many working families,” they stated. Employees at companies like Walmart often rely on SNAP to meet basic needs while working full-time jobs that don’t pay enough.
Hospitals like Baptist Health, also among major employers, offer assistance programs to staff, primarily for emergencies. Cara Wade, a spokesperson for Baptist Health, stated they maintain food pantries to support employees, which existed before the SNAP issues arose.
Experts warn that disrupted access to SNAP will have far-reaching effects. Kristin Mmari, an adolescent health researcher, noted that food insecurity can negatively impact educational outcomes and health. Without adequate nutrition, children may struggle in school and face long-term health challenges.
Leah is already rethinking her grocery shopping. “I’ll have to change how I shop—pizza is nice, but it won’t fill them up,” she explained, stressing the challenge of making a limited budget stretch for her growing boys.
To qualify for SNAP, households must have an income below 130% of the federal poverty level. Work requirements can complicate things further, as recipients must be actively seeking employment. Leah juggles her nursing studies with at least 24 hours of work each week, striving to improve her family’s situation.
Labor economist Enrique Lopezlira highlighted that many working families may now turn to local food banks. In Arkansas alone, there are roughly 20 food pantries near Little Rock. However, their operating hours often conflict with the schedules of working recipients, making it hard for them to access help when needed.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently announced a $500,000 allocation to help food banks if the shutdown continues. However, for families like Leah’s, survival means getting creative and resourceful. “I can manage; I’ve lived on nothing before. I’m just trying to get by day by day,” she said.
The situation illustrates the complexities of food assistance programs and the challenges faced by low-income families in America today, especially amid government disruptions. For more information on SNAP and its impact on families, visit the [U.S. Department of Agriculture](https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap).
