As the government shutdown continues, one of the biggest fears many American families face is not receiving their SNAP benefits. Although many view these subsidies as a “free handout” from the government, for the families that qualify, they are a crucial lifeline to keep themselves fed. As a mom who has relied on these benefits in the past, it is heartbreaking to see how these government decisions can negatively affect families.
Moms across social media have been opening up about how these cuts will affect them and their families.
SNAP benefits are used by a large part of our population.
According to statistics from the USDA website, approximately 41.7 million people received SNAP benefits each month in 2024. Those who received money got about $187.20 per person, but benefits also vary by state.
In 2023, the largest group of recipients were between the ages of 18 and 59, but it’s important to note that adult students and undocumented immigrants are not and have never been eligible to apply. Additionally, about 39% of children between birth and 17 years old receive benefits, the second largest group of recipients.
@msnbc Federal food assistance known as SNAP benefits will run out on Saturday due to the government shutdown. It will impact more than 40 million Americans, many of them working mothers. Here are some of the stories they are sharing. #news #SNAP ♬ original sound – MSNBC
Moms are freaking out about how to feed their families.
One mom, who goes by TheLovettGang on TikTok, shared a tearful video sharing her fears over how the stoppage of SNAP benefits will affect her six children.
“A lot of stereotypes say that you don’t work hard; you sit on your butt and collect checks. But that’s not the case,” she says in the clip. “I work hard every single day — I get up every day and clean houses. And I still rely on food stamps to feed my six children. The prices are so high, it’s unrealistic to think about not having them.”
Some are already stretching meals to make their money last.
Ashleigh Young, who goes by wehealhere on TikTok, shared that she has been skipping dinner “almost every night” so she and her boyfriend would have lunch to take to work the next day.
“We both work,” she says. “I’ve worked since I was 14 years old. I have a college degree. But because we have children, and because after care and before care is too expensive, I’ve taken a job that is basically minimum wage so that I can be there to pick up my kids.
“I cannot fathom what we’re going to do without that food stamp money. Because if I already couldn’t eat dinner with that food stamp money,” she begins, but can’t even finish her thought due to tears. “I’m glad some of you are happy.”
The consequences will be devastating.
Single mom Lo also shared a video detailing the hardships her family will face after November 1 without SNAP benefits. The mom of two lives in a women’s shelter with her almost 5-year-old and her 7-year-old. In addition to working, she is also continuing her education so that she can have more opportunities for her family.
@whatsup_lo Losing snap benefits is going to devastate so many people. And to be one of the families that is impacted is so detrimental to mothers who are in positions like mine.
♬ original sound – Lo
“There are so many situations in which families rely on those benefits,” she shares in the clip. “I don’t think that we really realize the depth, the damage that this is going to do.” She also calls attention to “the mothers especially who are going to go without meals so their children don’t have to.”
