Copyright Newsweek
A majority of Americans are concerned that the ongoing government shutdown will force families to skip meals amid delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and multiple missed paychecks, according to a poll conducted by PerryUndem. Why It Matters The shutdown has left many federal workers furloughed or working without pay. Several key services are paused, and SNAP, which serves about 42 million people, is at the center of the policy fight. Nearly 75 percent of SNAP households are at or below the poverty level. Due to the federal government shutdown, the Trump administration had initially said SNAP benefits would not reach recipients in November. The legal fight has extended weeks of uncertainty for low-income Americans, with judges ruling the administration has to roll out the benefits, directing the administration to draw from emergency reserves. What To Know A poll conducted by PerryUndem between October 31 and November 2 found that an overwhelming majority, 91 percent, of Americans believe that the ongoing shutdown will lead more people to go to food banks. The uncertainty over SNAP and repeated missed paychecks have alarmed many Americans and food aid groups. The poll of 1,021 U.S. adults found that 77 percent believe the continue shutdown will likely increase hunger and 83 percent think it will force families to skip meals. Nearly four-fifths of participants, 79 percent, support the continuation of SNAP benefits during the shutdown. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. Local food banks and community volunteers have been mobilizing for weeks, stocking shelves and launching neighborhood food pantries in support of those who have not yet receiving SNAP benefits. Some states have declared a state of emergency, such as New York with Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul directing more than $100 million for emergency food supplies. What People Are Saying Linda Nageotte, president and chief operating officer at Feeding America, said in a press release: “Across the country, communities are feeling the real, human impact the shutdown is having on their neighbors and communities. Families, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities are showing strength through the hardship, and their communities are standing beside them—giving their time and money, and advocating so no one faces hunger alone.” Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, wrote in an X post on Saturday: “Trump gave the 1% a trillion in tax breaks. Now he’s working overtime to block SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans who rely on them. Tax breaks for billionaires. Cuts for hungry kids. We must stand up to Trumpism and build a government that works for all — not just the few.” Senator Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, wrote in a Saturday X post in response to Attorney General Pam Bondi: “Congrats on stopping SNAP payments to hungry Americans. Glad that President Trumps agenda of starvation is working out for you.” House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, wrote in an X post on Friday: “The EASIEST WAY to end the chaos and put food back on families’ tables is for Democrats to release their hostage and vote to reopen the government. Every day they delay means more moms skipping meals, more seniors facing empty pantries, and more families wondering how they’ll get by. THIS ISN’T ABOUT POLITICS. — it’s basic human decency. End the shutdown. Reopen the government.” Chef Jose Andres, founder of World Central Kitchen, wrote in an X post on November 2: "Yesterday, the White House and Congress let SNAP run out…which will leave 40 million Americans hungry. Our leaders need to put people over politics, and invest in the health and well being of Americans everywhere…from children and families to farmers and small businesses." Senator Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat, wrote in a Saturday X post: “More than 600,000 Coloradans are going without their SNAP benefits as Trump continues to play political games with people's lives and appeals the court mandate to fully fund the program saving children and families from going hungry. But local governments have stepped up to support their communities. For more information about resources in your local government, visit: https://cdhs.colorado.gov/snap or call the SNAP hotline at 1-800-816-4451” What Happens Next? Repeated votes to end the government shutdown have failed to produce a compromise as it continues to stretch on.
