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Hunger is not a looming threat anymore, but a present reality that families now have to face. On November 1, the United States government crossed a line. Amid a government shutdown, the benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds were depleted for the 42 million Americans who rely on it. What is being reduced is not dollars, but dignity. Parents now face the heartbreaking choice of putting food on the table or keeping a roof over their heads.

In response, 25 states, including Washington D.C, have filed lawsuits against the Trump Administration over the suspension of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. Even though the Department of Agriculture has the funds to keep the program going, they argue that “contingency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits.” Recently, the Trump Administration said it would only cover half of the cost for these SNAP benefits, even though this would contradict court orders. While it seems like a win for those who rely on SNAP benefits, it is unclear when these recipients will actually receive them. Republicans can continue to blame the Democrats for this current mess, but it does nothing to feed hungry families.

Source: @realDonaldTrump on Truth Social

My Food Pantry Volunteer Experience

I was in tenth grade when I first volunteered with my family at the Second Mile Ministry in their food pantry. At first, I saw it as a chance to help others, but as I continued volunteering, I truly understood the importance of these organizations for people who struggle to meet their basic needs. Each person who came through the door had a story, and the food we prepared made a meaningful difference for families struggling.

The experience made me realize how fortunate I am to never have to worry about where my next meal is coming from, whether through my own income or my parents’ support. Reflecting on that time, I can only imagine how challenging things will become now that SNAP benefits are being cut. As more families face food insecurity, demand for food banks and community programs like Second Mile increases, underscoring the essential role these organizations play in times of need.

You would think that SNAP benefits being cut would be the thing that would bring the country together. However, I was wrong. There have been many misconceptions about SNAP online, so I want to clear the air about this topic.

Top Misconceptions about SNAP Benefits

Myth #1: Those who receive SNAP benefits do not work.

To qualify for SNAP benefits, there are two types of work requirements that someone has to meet. One of these work requirements is the general work requirement. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, under this requirement, the applicant has to “register for work, participate in SNAP Employment and Training or workfare if assigned by their state SNAP agency, take a suitable job if offered, and not voluntarily quit a job or reduce [their] work hours below 30 a week without a good reason.”

On the other hand, the ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) work requirements require the SNAP applicant to work 80 hours a month. This could include paid and non paid work. However, an applicant can be exempt from this requirement if the applicant is a veteran, pregnant, unable to work due to mental and physical limitations, etc.

Myth #2: SNAP recipients can buy anything they want.

SNAP can only be used for specific items such as fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, and many more. On the other hand, according to the United States Department of Agriculture website, items such as hot foods, beer, wine, and tobacco products are not SNAP eligible.

These are the top 20 food items that SNAP recipients purchase with their benefits. (Sources: epicforamerica.org and USDA)

Myth #3: Undocumented immigrants are eligible to receive SNAP benefits.

Undocumented immigrants are not eligible to receive SNAP benefits according to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. However, lawfully non-citizens are eligible to receive SNAP benefits. Examples of lawfully non-citizens include “refugees, asylum seekers, and those granted withholding of deportation, are immediately eligible for SNAP benefits without a waiting period.”

Make America Great Again? Sure …

I will say this again and again until I am blue in the face. We need to stop turning our basic needs into a political game. Until someone in our government realizes that EVERYONE needs food to survive, we will never come anywhere close to real progress. I do not care what someone chooses to do with THEIR SNAP benefits, but I do care that every single person has the right to access food. If a person wants to apply for SNAP benefits, they are not taking food benefits from others who may need it more. Everyone’s situation is not the same. As long as the person meets the requirements to receive those benefits, they are not taking benefits away from others who may also need them.

Instead of flexing about having a high IQ score or worrying about upgrading the Lincoln bathroom in the White House, President Trump should focus on things that actually matter, such as working WITH the Democrats to find real solutions so millions of Americans do not go to bed hungry. At the end of the day, a president is supposed to represent everyone in this country, not just their own party/supporters. As mentioned previously, until our leaders stop using food access as a political bargaining chip, we will never see our country progress.

If you know any food banks or companies that are assisting people to get food on their tables, please comment them down below!

Acknowledgment: The ideas expressed in this article are those of the individual author.