Let's Talk About It
Let’s Talk About It: The Truth About SNAP During the Shutdown
By Yvette Tello · Oct 30, 2025
Read in the original edition on IssuuWhile the federal government is shut down, over 42 million people who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to feed themselves and their families are facing the possibility of losing their benefits in November. That’s 42 million Americans, including children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, who could wake up with empty plates because of political gridlock. Right now, SNAP is a hot topic in the news, and, as usual, the spotlight brings out a flood of opinions.
You’ve probably seen the comments: “People just need to get jobs.” or “They’re taking advantage of the system.” But let’s cut through the noise and talk about facts, not fiction. SNAP isn’t a “free handout.” It’s a federal nutrition program designed to make sure low-income families don’t go hungry. The majority of SNAP recipients are either working adults, children, or seniors. Many work full-time jobs, sometimes multiple, but still earn below the poverty line because of low wages and high living costs.In Texas alone, over 3.6 million residents depend on SNAP.
Without it, many families will be forced to make impossible choices, like paying rent instead of buying groceries, or skipping meals to keep the lights on. This shutdown isn’t just about politics; it’s about priorities. When the government stops functioning, it’s always the most vulnerable who pay the price first. The SNAP program doesn’t just feed families, it supports local grocery stores, farmers, and small businesses.
Every SNAP dollar spent generates roughly $1.50 in economic activity. Ending or delaying benefits doesn’t just hurt people, it hurts communities. If you’ve ever struggled to stretch a paycheck, you know what it feels like to worry about food. Yet, many of the same voices that claim to support “family values” are silent when those families can’t afford groceries. Compassion shouldn’t depend on politics. So, as this shutdown continues, let’s remember who’s really affected, not the politicians making speeches, but the people waiting in grocery lines, praying their SNAP card still works next week.
Do you think SNAP is being unfairly criticized? Do you believe the government shutdown should ever be allowed to impact food security? Have you or someone you know been affected by SNAP delays or cuts? Let’s talk about it…
Let's talk about it: what our community said
Printed replies from readers on our page-2 conversation.
“Years of SNAP funding exist RIGHT NOW, paid for by our taxes. Federal language protected SNAP even during shutdowns, Trump's admin DELETED it to hide the fact they're using hunger as a political”
Kelly Christenson
“Facts do not matter to MAGAs they are willfully ignorant & support the felon/pedo no matter what”
Barbara Cantrella
“Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Republicans decided NOT to fund SNAP. So much for the party of Pro Life and Christian Values. More like Pro Birth and rights for Republicans but not all Ohioans.”
Jamie Young
“Republicans in Congress need to get off their butts and go back to work and release the funds that already exist for just this purpose. Shameful that they want to screw over so many American citizens, the majority of them being their own constituents.”
Donna Davidson
“Wow, $6.30 a day. People are sooo lazy and should get a job instead of living off our tax dollars (which is clearly impossible).”
Rozalyn Haze
“Our governor (NM) announced yesterday that the state will be funding SNAP for the first ten days of November, about 30% of what people would normally receive for the month. A drop in the bucket, but I think I'll take it for now. Maybe it will provide impetus for others to follow suit.”
Jennavive Hirtzel
“I never in my life thought I’d rely on anything government….and feel so judgmental for that. This post touched my heart. As it has been such a hard time for me and my Elli Lou- since my brain surgery I have very much depended on snap and like you said I know this isn’t our final destination- it is just helping us through these hard years ... .but my gosh it is killing us right now. As a mom you feel like you’ve failed your child on so many levels. So thanks for this post ... .It's a great reminder that we all need. This isn’t my forever- it’s just my right now. And right now it is HARD. Alyson Chaumont: ‘That’s actually not the problem today. The government pointed you in that direction and told you they were the problem so you don’t pay attention to what they’re doing too much. Instead of focusing on the people in power you blame the people who have the least amount of power, influence, and money. You want them to act like the people who have support, or no disabilities or barriers. The people benefiting billions on policy are the ones who create your world and problems. Not the single moms getting 325 a month on snap. Even if they do buy steak. Or have melanin.”
Kelsi Freeman
“I have so much to say in this… and I agree. The low income working people are the ones who suffer more than anyone. They don’t qualify for much of anything, while those not working at all get a ton of assistance.I’m all for 100% childcare for the low income working people. That’s the biggest stumbling block. They end up using dangerous, unlicensed people because it’s all they can afford. And if they work “too much” they lose it all. It’s such a messed up system.I think people are also ignoring that it can be work or volunteering, which is just as admirable as having a paying job. Although this whole mindset does ignore the claims that being a stay at home parent is a full-time job (which I agree it is) 🤔 I have 2 family members on SNAP, 1 working, 1 not (disabled herself with 2 disabled kids). Now the 20 hr requirement can be hard for the one who has disabled kids who can’t get childcare. But for like 10 hrs she could do it easily while they were in school. There are also lots of volunteer opportunities to bring kids….but not kids like hers. But one thing I do support is the types of food to buy. I agree that the worst foods for health should not be included. Those are just causing sicker and sicker children.But, I think things that SHOULD be included are female sanitary needs, toilet paper, soap, shampoo. Things for sanitation are super necessary and sometimes these kids do go without. Girls should never be without sanitary needs. I have heard that Medicaid or Medicare does cover this…but I’m not familiar with it.”
Jessica Osborn Ranck
“It astounds me that people think you can just "go sign up" and benefits will just be given. Every applicant has to prove their need. It's not an easy process.”
Regina Worley Bowman
“I spoke at length yesterday with a friend who works for one of the US state departments. Soul destroying that they must work yet receive a zero paycheck. Not everyone has savings, not everyone is debt free, not everyone is free from financial commitments. It shocked me to the core. These people are duty bound to work. It’s appalling.”
Rebecca Blu