Copyright Newsweek
A woman filmed herself while appearing to steal groceries from an HEB in a new TikTok video as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits remain in jeopardy. The TikTok user, who uses the @estherrenee username, appears to have since deleted the video, which showed her telling viewers that white people aren’t watching you and it’s “easy peasy” to put your groceries in your cart and just leave the store. Why It Matters The government shutdown caused SNAP benefits to be delayed for the month of November. While court orders have forced the Trump administration to continue offering benefits from a contingency fund, the money is only enough for roughly half of of benefits, and it remains unclear when actual funds will hit EBT cards. SNAP serves 42 million Americans monthly, allowing them to access healthy foods at their local grocery stores. What To Know The TikTok user posted the video as she appeared to walk through her local HEB grocery store, explaining to viewers that ‘white people aren’t watching them’ and taking your groceries out of the store without paying for them is “easy peasy.” The original video appears to have now been taken down, and Newsweek reached out to the TikTok creator for comment. In her bio, @estherrenee writes, “Videos are for entertainment purposes only (acting/skits).” Previously, TikTok creators have warned that the reversal of SNAP benefits could result in widespread looting as millions of Americans could be forced to go hungry. “As long as despair sets in, people will resort to alternative ways of providing for their families,” Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. “Theft will undoubtedly increase as it becomes a necessary means, especially as people continue to work and not receive compensation. People are doing what they are asked to do, but the government is not doing its part.” What People Are Saying Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: “Otherwise law-abiding citizens may resort to unlawful means just to feed their families. Theft will increase, and as the shutdown continues without funding being released, petty theft can escalate into more serious and even violent confrontations.” Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: “We know some businesses are already preparing for a potential increase in crime due to SNAP benefits currently not being distributed, but it’s important to be cautious in accepting some videos making the rounds on social media. Some of these posts that claim to show theft as a result of no SNAP have been discredited, while others questioned for their authenticity. While there certainly could be some crime associated with the current situation, the reality is the vast majority of recipients are good, law-abiding citizens who will get by as best they can until benefits are restored.” What Happens Next There will likely be long delays before SNAP benefits actually make it into the hands of beneficiaries again. State system changes could result in delays as long as a few weeks to several months because states must reload their eligibility systems, according to government updates. “People should be more mindful of their surroundings when shopping, and if possible, consider going during lower-traffic hours,” Thompson said.
