After the recent upheaval during the government shutdown, it looks like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were dealt another big blow. Two Massachusetts men trafficked nearly $7 million worth of benefits intended for people who cannot afford food, federal prosecutors in Boston said Wednesday.
The 2025 United States federal government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, caused disruption in funding for the (SNAP), the country’s primary federal food-assistance program serving about 42 million low-income Americans. Because Congress failed to pass a budget or continuing resolution, federal appropriations lapsed and routine SNAP funding initially ran out.
In late October and early November, multiple states reported that they were unable to issue standard SNAP benefits due to the lack of federal funding, prompting concerns among recipients and local officials about hunger and food insecurity. Food banks and community organizations saw increases in demand as households faced gaps in assistance.
READ: Federal Judge orders Trump to pay SNAP benefits by Friday (
Amid legal challenges, federal judges ordered the Department of Agriculture to resume benefit distributions using contingency funds, and the administration took steps to provide partial or delayed payments while litigation continues.
Antonio Bonheur, 74, of Mattapan, and Saul Alisme, 21, of Hyde Park, were arrested Wednesday morning and charged with one count of food stamp fraud in a scheme that U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said “turned a program to feed families into a multimillion dollar criminal enterprise.”
“This is taxpayer money meant to keep people from going hungry. These defendants decided to take it for themselves,” Foley said.
READ: Trump administration to make partial SNAP payments during government shutdown? (
The events of 2025 surrounding SNAP highlight the broader challenges of administering large-scale social assistance programs in the United States. Programs like SNAP operate at the intersection of policy, public need, and bureaucratic capacity, making them vulnerable to both administrative disruptions and criminal exploitation. Cases of fraud and trafficking demonstrate that even well-intentioned programs require constant oversight, verification, and enforcement to prevent misuse of public resources.
Beyond immediate program management, these events illustrate the societal dependence on reliable nutrition support. Communities, local organizations, and families rely on SNAP not only for food security but also for maintaining overall economic stability. Disruptions or misappropriation of resources can strain local networks, forcing charitable organizations and state agencies to compensate for shortfalls.
Educational campaigns, volunteer networks, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations can strengthen resilience, helping families maintain access to essential nutrition. Future policy discussions might consider expanding oversight tools, reporting mechanisms, and emergency response plans to reduce vulnerability to both fraud and administrative interruptions, ensuring that assistance continues to reach those who depend on it most.