Across the country, Americans who depend on government help to buy groceries are preparing for the worst.
As a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown, Donald Trump has threatened to, for the first time in the program’s more than 60-year history, cut off benefits provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (Snap). A federal judge last week prevented the US Department of Agriculture from suspending Snap altogetherbut the Trump administration now says enrollees will receive only half of their usual benefits.
The Guardian wanted to know how important Snap was to the approximately 42 million people enrolled in the program. Many of those who responded to our callout were elderly, or out of the workforce because of significant mental of physical health issues, and worried that a cutoff of the benefit would send their lives into a tailspin.
“I am housebound because I need a couple of spinal cord surgeries so this is really gonna hurt me because I cannot work, and thereby earn money to put food on the table,” said Taras Stratelak, a retiree in southern California.
Referencing a refrain of Trump and the GOP as they have downsized federal aid programs, Stratelak wrote: “I guess I’m lazy, or maybe I’m waste, fraud and abuse.”
Wisconsin resident Betty Standridge, 56, said she had been hospitalized for a month, and was relying on Snap to afford pricier groceries that she now would have to go without.
“Losing my Snap benefits means I will not be able to replenish my food for the month, therefore I will do without things like fresh produce, milk, eggs,” she said.
Donna Lynn, a disabled veteran in Missouri, said a cutoff of benefits would force her into making tough choices.
“It comes down to paying for my medications and my bills or buying food for myself and for my animals. So I pay for my medications and bills and get what food I can for my animals, And if I have money left over, then I will eat,” Lynn said.
“This is how the government treats their veterans – it’s very sad.”
Zachariah Kushner, a disabled 36-year-old living in Charleston, West Virginia, put the consequences of a benefit cut succinctly: “I won’t be able to buy food! What do you expect?”
The government shutdown began on 1 October, after Democrats and Republicans in Congress failed to agree on spending legislation to continue funding. While the GOP has demanded passage of a bill to fund the government through 21 November, Senate Democrats have refused to provide the votes needed for the legislation to make it through that chamber, insisting that Trump extend tax cuts that have lowered the monthly premiums of Affordable Care Act plans.
While the USDA claims that it must cut off Snap because it no longer has money to fund it, experts disagreedand a federal judge last week sided with two dozen states who sued to keep it paying out funds.
A NBC News polls released on Sunday found 52% blamed Trump and his allies for the shutdown, as opposed to 42% who fault the Democrats.
Many of those who wrote in to the Guardian aligned with those findings.
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Sandra, a retiree in Milwaukee who declined to give her last name, feared the benefit cut was the start of an attempt to dismantle Snap, which was set up by Congress in 1964. “My sense is Trump will try to make Snap benefits permanently end during the shutdown,” she said. “I’m dumbfounded by the cruelty.”
Steven of Wisconsin, 59, said he is recovering from surgeries, and has been unable to work for the past year because of his health. “I’ve already reduced my intake since before Snap was cut. Now it means no milk, no eggs, no vegetables, and definitely no meat,” he said.
Referring to the climactic second world war battlehe said: “It’s like the siege of Stalingrad, but from your own government.”
Twenty-eight-year-old Thomas, an unemployed Philadelphia resident, felt similarly let down.
“I’ve paid an awful lot of taxes over the years, I don’t feel bad about getting something back for it in my time of need,” he said.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, resident Bill predicted he “will have to go without many things that I ordinarily purchase” and borrow money from his family.
“How do I feel about it? I curse Donald Trump and his entire party of sycophants and lickspittles to the seven[th] circle of hell, now and for all time,” the 71-year-old said.
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How do the tightened ABAWD waiver criteria disproportionately affect rural communities compared to urban areas?
Table of Contents
- 1. How do the tightened ABAWD waiver criteria disproportionately affect rural communities compared to urban areas?
- 2. Americans are Shocked by Trump Administration’s Cuts to SNAP Benefits
- 3. The Scope of the Benefit Reductions
- 4. Who is Affected by SNAP Cuts?
- 5. The Shockwaves: public Reaction and Advocacy
- 6. Real-World Examples: Stories from the Front Lines
- 7. Understanding SNAP: Benefits and Eligibility
Americans are Shocked by Trump Administration’s Cuts to SNAP Benefits
The Scope of the Benefit Reductions
The recent adjustments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP), enacted during the Trump administration and continuing to impact recipients in 2025, have sparked widespread outrage and concern across the United States. These changes, largely stemming from a 2020 rule finalized by the USDA, substantially restrict states’ ability to utilize waivers allowing able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) to exceed the three-month SNAP benefit limit.
Hear’s a breakdown of the key changes:
* ABAWD Work Requirements: The core of the change tightens the criteria for ABAWD waivers. Previously, areas with high unemployment could waive the 3-month limit. The new rule drastically narrowed the definition of “high unemployment,” making waivers far less accessible.
* Geographic Restrictions: The USDA implemented stricter standards for defining areas eligible for waivers, focusing on specific sub-county data rather than broader regional unemployment rates. This disproportionately affected rural areas and smaller communities.
* Impact on Benefit Duration: Individuals subject to the time limit and unable to meet work requirements lose access to SNAP benefits for a period of 36 months.
* State Implementation Variances: While the federal rule provides the framework, individual states have implemented the changes at varying paces and with differing levels of stringency.
Who is Affected by SNAP Cuts?
The cuts primarily impact a vulnerable segment of the population: able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18-49. This group often faces notable barriers to employment, including:
* Lack of Education & Skills: Limited educational attainment and job skills can hinder employment prospects.
* Transportation Issues: Access to reliable transportation is a major obstacle, particularly in rural areas.
* Criminal Records: A prior criminal record can significantly reduce employment opportunities.
* Housing Instability: Individuals experiencing homelessness or unstable housing face immense challenges in securing and maintaining employment.
* Health Concerns: Physical and mental health issues can impede the ability to work consistently.
Beyond ABAWDs, the ripple effects of these cuts extend to:
* Local Economies: Reduced SNAP benefits translate to decreased spending at grocery stores and farmers markets, impacting local businesses.
* Food Banks & Pantries: Increased demand on charitable food assistance organizations strains their resources.
* Children & Families: While the direct cuts target ABAWDs, reduced household income can negatively affect the food security of their families.
The Shockwaves: public Reaction and Advocacy
The implementation of these SNAP cuts has been met with fierce opposition from anti-hunger advocates, social service organizations, and Democratic lawmakers.
* Legal Challenges: Several states filed lawsuits challenging the legality of the USDA rule, arguing it exceeded the agency’s authority and woudl cause undue hardship. While some challenges were unsuccessful, the legal battles highlighted the contentious nature of the policy.
* Protests & Demonstrations: Across the country, protests were organized to raise awareness about the impact of the cuts and demand a reversal of the policy.
* Increased Food Bank Usage: Food banks reported a significant surge in demand following the implementation of the stricter SNAP requirements. Feeding America, a national network of food banks, documented a considerable increase in the number of people seeking assistance.
* Congressional Hearings: Democratic members of Congress held hearings to scrutinize the USDA’s actions and highlight the potential consequences of the cuts.
Real-World Examples: Stories from the Front Lines
The impact of SNAP cuts isn’t abstract; it’s felt acutely by individuals and families.
* Kentucky: In Kentucky, thousands lost benefits after the state implemented the stricter ABAWD rules. Reports surfaced of individuals struggling to afford basic necessities and relying heavily on food banks.
* Alabama: Alabama saw a significant reduction in SNAP recipients following the changes, with many rural counties particularly affected.Local food pantries were overwhelmed with requests for assistance.
* Mississippi: Mississippi, already grappling with high poverty rates, experienced a substantial increase in food insecurity as an inevitable result of the cuts.
Understanding SNAP: Benefits and Eligibility
SNAP is a crucial safety net for millions of Americans facing food insecurity. The program aims to:
* Reduce food Insecurity: Provide low-income individuals and families with resources to purchase nutritious food.
* Boost Local Economies: SNAP benefits stimulate economic activity by increasing demand for food products.
* Improve Health Outcomes: Access to adequate nutrition is essential for maintaining good health.
Eligibility Requirements (generally):
* Income Limits: SNAP eligibility is based on household income and size. Income limits vary by state.
* Resource limits: Households must also meet certain resource limits (e.g., bank accounts, vehicles).
* Work Requirements: most able-bodied adults are required to work or participate in work training programs to maintain eligibility. (These requirements are the focus of the recent changes).
* **Citizens
