How to Help Those Losing SNAP Benefits
As the federal government shutdown stretches on, more than 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – the nation’s largest food aid program – may soon struggle to put food on the table. With federal funding in limbo, November SNAP benefits could be delayed or reduced, leaving families across the country unable to cover basic needs. In this uncertain time, helping those facing food insecurity (or knowing where to turn for food assistance) has never been more urgent. Read on to learn more about SNAP and discover a few ways you can help those in your community.
What Is SNAP and Who Does It Benefit?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is the nation’s most important program for reducing hunger and food insecurity. Administered by the USDA, it provides monthly funds for buying groceries to approximately one in eight Americans in need of food assistance.
According to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, about 40% of SNAP participants are children, and four out of five SNAP households include either a child younger than 18, an elderly individual (60 or over) or a nonelderly individual with a disability. The program plays a critical role in not only feeding families but also in reducing poverty, improving participant health and supporting communities during economic downturns. Numerous studies have also linked nutritional access to improved mental health and a decrease in violence and crime rates, showing that investing in feeding our communities makes us not only happier and healthier, but also safer.
SNAP also provides a significant financial return on investment, as every $1 in additional spending on SNAP benefits generates $1.54 in economic activity. In addition, the program supports farmers by providing a steady market for their goods. When SNAP benefits are spent at grocery stores and farmers markets, those dollars flow directly back to local growers and food businesses, helping sustain agricultural communities and regional economies.
How to Help Those Losing SNAP Benefits
Interested in helping fight food insecurity in your community? Here are a few ways to support those losing SNAP benefits.
1. Donate to Food Banks
Making monetary donations to local food banks is one of the most effective ways to help those struggling with food insecurity in your community. Monetary contributions allow food banks to purchase exactly what is needed, respond quickly to shortages and manage increased demand, which is especially critical as SNAP benefits lapse. Even a small donation can go a long way, as many food banks can stretch every dollar to provide several meals for families in need.
Food donations are also needed. Items like canned vegetables, canned meats, peanut butter, pasta, rice and cereal are always in demand. Many food pantries also accept items such as soup, beans, oatmeal and baby food. Before deciding what to donate, check the food bank’s website or call ahead to see which items are needed most.
If you’re looking for a food bank near you, Feeding America has a locator tool for finding nearby pantries and distribution centers. Additionally, local churches, community centers and civic groups often run food banks or pop-up pantries that rely on volunteers and donations.
2. Organize a Food Drive
Organizing a food drive is a great way to bring your community together to help neighbors in need. Whether you coordinate one through your workplace, school, church or other group, every item collected helps stock the shelves of local pantries facing increased demand.
Start by reaching out to a nearby food bank or pantry to learn what items they need most. Many organizations can also provide collection bins, promotional materials and or pickup services to make organizing the drive easier.
Promote your food drive through social media, email or community bulletin boards, and consider adding a virtual giving option so people can donate funds online.
Learn more about how to host a food drive with Feeding America here.
3. Volunteer Your Time
Donating your time can be just as valuable as donating money or food. Local food banks, pantries, and meal programs often need help sorting and shelving donations, packing boxes, distributing meals and staffing community events. Many organizations allow one-time volunteering or recurring commitments, so you can choose what best fits your schedule. Even a few hours a week can make a meaningful difference, especially during periods when food banks are under extra pressure.
4. Call or Email Your Representatives and Senators
One of the most direct ways to support food security is by reaching out to your local representative, senators and governor. Elected officials rely on constituent feedback to guide their decisions, and your voice can help ensure that programs like SNAP remain adequately funded.
When contacting your representatives, explain why food assistance programs matter to your community and urge them to protect or expand funding for hunger-relief initiatives. Phone calls are often more impactful than emails, but either method demonstrates that constituents care about these programs.
You can find contact information for your federal, state and local representatives through official government websites, or call 202-224-3121.