As Millions Prepare to Lose SNAP Benefits in a Week, 5 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Family Fed

As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, Americans are feeling the impact as over one million civilian federal employees are not being paid. But now, alarm bells are sounding as many more families are bracing for impact as the country’s largest food assistance program is being threatened.

As Politico reported, at least 25 states, including California, Mississippi and Indiana, are planning to cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to their residents beginning Nov. 1 if the government shutdown continues. According to the USDA, the SNAP program, which provides food benefits to low-income Americans, serves more than 40 million people in the United States, particularly women, children, the elderly and the disabled. Nearly 26 percent of SNAP recipients are Black.

“If the SNAP program shuts down, we will have the most mass hunger suffering we’ve had in America since the Great Depression,” Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, told NPR.

Although many states are trying to supplement federal funds with their emergency resources to keep SNAP programs funded, many governors, including Governor Maura Healey (D-MA), say they won’t be able to pay for the programs on their own.

“The state funding can’t begin to match what the federal government provides,” she told Politico.

While the shutdown threatens food benefits for millions of Americans, here are five things you can do to protect yourself and your family during this difficult time. 

Buy Pantry Staples Now

Do what you can to stock your pantry with non-perishable items like pasta, rice, beans, canned vegetables, and canned or vacuum-sealed proteins (tuna, chicken, salmon, etc.) that can be used to make quick and healthy meals for your family and will last a lot longer than refrigerated food items.

Shop Sales

Make a plan before you go grocery shopping by checking your favorite store’s flyers for weekly sales, manager markdowns and clearance items. Apps like Flipp and Basket can do a lot of the work for you, tracking the prices of items on your list at several stores at once. Whenever possible, choose generic or store brand items that allow you to save a little money without compromising on quality.

Sign Up For Loyalty Programs

One of the easiest ways to stretch your dollar is to take advantage of your grocery store’s loyalty programs that offer discounts and cash back on items you purchase regularly. 

Take Advantage of Local Resources

Food pantries at local churches and community organizations across the country are stepping up to help keep families fed during this difficult time and can be a source for staples like eggs, produce and grains. Enter your zip code on the Feeding America website to find the closest food bank to your home. 

Work With Your Neighbors

During difficult times, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Lean on your village when possible. Team up with neighbors to purchase food items in bulk that you can share or pool your resources and organize potluck meals with other families.