With the fate of America’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) hanging in the balance, it’s important to discuss and inform what SNAP is and why it’s a fundamental program for our country’s citizens.
For those who don’t know, SNAP, formerly known as “food stamps,” is a federally funded program that provides low-income individuals and families with monthly funds to purchase food and necessities. It is the largest anti-hunger program and measure within the United States. So why is it necessary?
SNAP is essential to provide low-income individuals with proper, nutritious food. The program helps ensure that both individuals and families avoid hunger.
The chances are that if you have not relied on SNAP benefits directly, you’ve known someone who does. As of the fiscal year of 2024, an average of 12.3% of America’s population relied on SNAP benefits.
I know what some of you may be thinking: “Just get a better job.” “Why should our tax money feed impoverished people?” “The people who rely on SNAP are just lazy people who don’t have a job.”
But it’s not that simple.
As stated, SNAP provides benefits not only to low-income individuals but also to families. From veterans and people with disabilities to the elderly and even children, millions of people of all ages, pasts, and abilities rely on SNAP to get by.
Our tax dollars don’t just go into feeding lazy, jobless people—they go into feeding innocent children, someone’s grandmother, or a veteran who fought selflessly in a war.
People who deserve to eat.
Food, and good, nutritious food at that, should not be a privilege. It should be a right. Something that everyone in America should have access to. The SNAP program keeps people fed and alive, so consider that before you decide to disagree with it.
Consider the children who deserve to eat fresh fruits and vegetables because they didn’t decide to be poor, or be born into a family that was; the veterans who laid their lives on the line for this country and do not deserve this disrespect in return; and those with disabilities who did not choose to have them, whether from birth, accidents, lifestyle, etc.
Consider all of America’s citizens before you decide that SNAP is not necessary or is a waste of America’s tax dollars.
As long as the government shutdown remains in place, the fate of SNAP benefits is on the line. Recently, two federal judges ruled that emergency funding be used to fund SNAP benefits while it lasts. While President Trump has reached a partial agreement to fund SNAP, it is still not enough.
I urge you to do your own research on SNAP benefits and their necessity. Speak out and show your support, whether that means offering a helping hand to a friend, volunteering within your community, or even something as simple as reposting on your Instagram story—your opinion and your voice matter.
For individuals struggling with food insecurity, reach out to local organizations and food banks. For Millikin students specifically, consider checking out the new Millikin Market, which opened on November 4th.
There are resources available that should be used if needed. Just like SNAP, they are out there to help you.
