Former President Donald Trump issued an unforgivable threat to eliminate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This has been true since this program was created by Congress back in 1964. It’s the first time in the program’s more than 60-year history that these kinds of cuts have been proposed. As a government shutdown began on October 1, uncertainty settled in for most beneficiaries. They are preparing for what will be possibly the most catastrophic changes ever made to their food assistance.
The Trump administration announced that enrollees will receive only half of their usual benefits, creating uncertainty for millions who rely on SNAP for basic nutrition. Earlier this month, a federal judge intervened to prevent the U.S. Department of Agriculture from abolishing the program entirely. Even as SNAP averted disaster this time around, concerns remain about what lies ahead due to this political shakeup.
The impending benefit cuts have sparked outrage among those who depend on assistance, with many expressing their fears about the impact on their daily lives. Betty Standridge, a 56-year-old woman from rural Wisconsin, uses SNAP benefits to purchase the majority of her food. She stressed the program’s critical necessity for her and other women like her who struggle to overcome these barriers.
“I’ve paid an awful lot of taxes over the years, I don’t feel bad about getting something back for it in my time of need,” remarked Thomas, a 28-year-old unemployed resident of Philadelphia who feels let down by the potential cuts.
Donna Lynn, a disabled veteran residing in Missouri, summed up the grim consequences that would follow such a withdrawal of benefits. “It comes down to paying for my medications and my bills or buying food for myself and for my animals,” she explained. “So I pay for my medications and bills and get what food I can for my animals, and if I have money left over, then I will eat.”
Taras Stratelak, a retiree in Southern California recovering from multiple surgeries, expressed his dismay at potentially losing SNAP benefits. As he said in his own words, “I’m home bound because I require a few spinal cord surgeries, so this really is going to affect me hard as I can’t work.
The doom and gloom outlook on these new developments is very real among beneficiaries. A resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan named Bill voiced his frustration unequivocally: “I curse [Donald Trump] and his entire party of sycophants and lickspittles to the seventh circle of hell, now and for all time.” He says that in the coming months he won’t be able to afford most necessities. To cover costs, he may even need to incur debt with loved ones.
Zachariah Kushner, a disabled 36-year-old, of Charleston. He is running up against a cruel reality — the reality of ever-deepening benefit cuts. “How is it I can’t afford to eat!” he cried. His words reflected the sentiments of countless others who go to bed each night unsure of where their next meal will come from.
As the government shutdown drags on, beneficiaries brace for the worst. Sandra, a 71-year-old retiree living in Milwaukee, shared her concerns about what the proposed cuts would mean, not just for her, but for the community at large. “My sense is that Trump will succeed in making the end of SNAP benefits predictable and permanent if we’re still in a shutdown,” she said.
Steven, a 59-year-old Wisconsin resident recovering from surgeries and unable to work, described how he has already reduced his food intake significantly. “Now it means no milk, no eggs, no vegetables, and definitely no meat,” he shared. The unknown nature of SNAP benefits just compounds the burden of what is already a daily struggle for so many.
The looming threat to SNAP benefits raises significant questions about food security in America during a time when many families are already struggling due to economic pressures exacerbated by COVID-19. These devastating cuts would be felt nationwide and impact municipalities large and small. They won’t only hurt the direct beneficiaries, it’ll hurt local economies that rely on consumer spending.