As SNAP benefits pause due to the government shutdown, those at or around the poverty line are facing some tough decisions. Meet rent payments or get food on the table? Pay the electric bill or get a fresh meal?
Across the country, there are over 41 million people that rely on SNAP benefits to get food. In Pennsylvania, that number breaks down to roughly 2 million people, nearly a half of a million in Philadelphia alone. More than a third of recipients in PA are children.
Unless something changes by Nov. 1, millions who receive these benefits will struggle to pay for grocery bills, a tragic reality in a month that’s focused on thanksgiving.
Behind SNAP Benefits
SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food. Eligible participants receive monthly funds on an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card which works like a debit card at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers. The amount of help given is determined by a family’s income, and the age and number of people in that household.
Many of those who are on the SNAP program are living at and around the poverty line. Just like homelessness, poverty is often multi-faceted and complicated, fed by a complex web of issues that can make it hard to break out of. Lack of education leads to few job opportunities. Broken family structures lead to mental health struggles. Economic inequality creates barriers to opportunities. The list goes on.
In other words, unlike the common perception, it’s not just unemployment that can lead people to need benefits like SNAP offers. It’s a complex network of issues. SNAP steps in and help alleviate some of the burden as these individuals work hard to break out of the poverty cycle.
Let’s breakdown some more misconceptions around these benefits:
Common Misconceptions
“People on SNAP are lazy or don’t want to work.”
Reality: Most of those receiving SNAP benefits are hardworking individuals (78% from 2019-2023), employed in low-wage or part-time jobs that don’t pay enough to cover basic necessities.
With average rental costs for a one bedroom averaging around $1,479 per month, someone earning minimum wage would need to work over 47 hours a week and spend every single penny on rent just to afford a one-bedroom apartment—leaving nothing for essentials like food, utilities, or transportation.
For these individuals, every penny counts. SNAP benefits alleviate some of the financial burden of living to help them get a simple necessity of life: Food.
“They misuse benefits or buy junk food/luxury items.”
Reality: SNAP benefits only cover foods meant for home preparation and eating (i.e. fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and bread). It doesn’t cover items like alcohol, tobacco, pet food, or hot prepared meals.
“SNAP encourages dependency.”
Reality: Many people use SNAP to temporarily supplement their income as they work towards financial stability. The program is designed to serve as temporary income support and phases out as earnings increase.
Here's How You Can Help
What’s behind the surface of these facts and numbers is a single mom or dad with three kids, working as hard as they can to make ends meet and keep a roof over their heads, just trying to get a healthy meal for their children.
This is the story for many of our participants, who are already doing all they can to get back on their feet after facing homelessness. So as SNAP benefits pause, we want to step in and help alleviate this extra financial burden. We are looking for donations of grocery store gift cards we can give to our participants to supplement the funds they usually receive from SNAP.
Would you step in and help us make those we serve can get food on the table? Donate gift cards to local grocery stores by emailing us at info@goodsamservices.org.
Together, we can make a difference so those rebuilding their lives after homelessness don’t have to worry about food this month!
