Millions of families in the United States could go hungry this holiday season. About 42 million Americans are set to lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits when federal funding halts on Nov. 1 amid the government shutdown.
“If 42 million Americans and more than 260,000 retailers don’t receive $8 billion worth of grocery support in a week’s time, we are going to see the greatest hunger crisis since the Great Depression, and that’s not hyperbole. That’s just true,” Joel Berg, CEO of the non-profit Hunger Free America, told ABC News.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it would not use emergency funds to help cover benefits and posted a message on its website over the weekend that “the well has run dry.”
While the USDA has around $5 billion in contingency funds, these are legally reserved for disaster relief and cannot be used to cover regular SNAP benefits without new congressional appropriations. As a result, states are required to pause benefit issuance, and some have already declared emergencies and attempted to use their own funds, though they will not be reimbursed by the federal government.
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Robert Lewis, Jr., president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Boston (BGCB), a youth services organization, told ABC News that his organization provides close to 300,000 meals and snacks every year, and will continue to do so in the absence of SNAP benefits.
SNAP works as a safety net to reduce food insecurity, helping families stretch their food budget while stimulating local economies through grocery purchases.
If SNAP benefits were unavailable, charities, food banks, and soup kitchens would face a dramatic surge in demand. Millions of households rely on SNAP as their main source of food, and without it, these organizations could be quickly overwhelmed.
Existing supplies and storage capacity would likely be insufficient, and emergency donations might not arrive fast enough to meet the need. Additionally, staffing and logistical challenges would intensify, as more volunteers and resources would be required to distribute food efficiently, particularly in rural or underserved areas.
The potential halt of SNAP benefits highlights the critical role this program plays in ensuring food security for millions of Americans. Beyond just providing groceries, SNAP functions as a stabilizing force for low-income families, helping children, seniors, and vulnerable populations meet basic nutritional needs. Its absence would not only strain households but also place unprecedented pressure on charitable organizations, food banks, and community kitchens, which may struggle to fill the gap despite their best efforts.
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The broader economic impact is also significant, as SNAP supports local retailers, farmers, and supply chains, reinforcing the interconnectedness of social programs and economic stability.
How SNAP works
- Eligibility:
- Determined by income, household size, and certain expenses like rent and utilities.
- S. citizens and some legal non-citizens can apply.
- Application process:
- Individuals apply through their state’s SNAP office.
- States verify income, expenses, and residency to approve benefits.
- Receiving benefits:
- Once approved, households get an EBT card loaded with a monthly benefit amount.
- The amount is based on the Thrifty Food Plan, which estimates the cost of a nutritious diet.
- Using benefits:
- EBT cards can be used to buy food at authorized grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
- SNAP benefits cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, or non-food items.
- Review and renewal:
- Benefits are reviewed periodically to ensure continued eligibility.