TL/DR –
Food banks across the United States are struggling to meet the increased demand due to disruption in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the government shutdown. The problem is being compounded by more restrictions and cutbacks. A new tax and spending law might soon leave millions of Americans without assistance, as it includes the biggest looming cut to food assistance in decades.
Amna Nawaz: As the holiday season commences, the demand for food aid is escalating, putting additional strain on already struggling food banks nationwide. The disruption in SNAP benefits during the government shutdown has compounded the situation.
William Brangham: The available supplies at food banks are dwindling, while demand for their services continues to rise, especially in the aftermath of the shutdown.
Food bank representatives from across the country, like Eric Cooper from the San Antonio Food Bank, Jeff Marlow from the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, and Lauren Conigliaro from St. Leo’s Food Pantry, have shared their concerns regarding the increasing demand and reduced supply.
Caroline Hissong from We Don’t Waste and Alexander Moore from D.C. Central Kitchen also reported a significant rise in the demand for food aid, with non-profit partners requiring more food than ever before.
Iris Sharp: As co-director of the FAST Blackfeet Food Pantry, I can attest to the rising need for food assistance. This has forced us to tap into our emergency contingency funding to cover the increased costs.
Eric Cooper: As food banks, our inventory is quickly depleting. We’re relying heavily on private sector support as public assistance is currently insufficient.
William Brangham: The massive GOP tax-and-spending law signed by President Trump this summer entails drastic cuts to food assistance. Author Adam Chandler joins us to discuss this issue further.
Adam Chandler: SNAP, a program that provides food aid to Americans across different demographics, is often misunderstood and misrepresented. The reality is, SNAP sustains a huge percentage of Americans nationwide.
Despite allegations of abuse and inefficiency, reports show that SNAP fraud is rare. The program is crucial for supporting working people, particularly those over 60 and under 18.
The GOP’s tax-and-spending bill could make the process of applying for food assistance even more challenging by introducing stricter work requirements and limiting the power of states to waive these in areas with fewer job opportunities.
With 60% of Americans currently living paycheck to paycheck, the notion that SNAP discourages work is gravely misguided.
William Brangham: Thank you, Adam Chandler, for your insights.
—
Read More US Political News