40 Million Americans will go hungry next week because of Donald Trump. As a community member, here’s what you can do to help people who will not have SNAP benefits.
Why Is This Happening?
President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law and this cut $186 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Currently, republicans control all three branches of government. At any time, the party can protect 42 million Americans and make sure Americans can continue to access SNAP and have food security.
Right now, they are not.
What Is SNAP?
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP helps 42 million Americans survive. The people who depend on SNAP are:
- Families and people with low-paying jobs
- Low-income people
- People 60 years and older
- People with disabilities & living on a fixed income
- Students
- Veterans
8 Ways We As Citizens Can Support Our Vulnerable Community Members Who Depend On SNAP
1. Donate Money To Food Banks
Donate money directly to the food bank, food pantry, and soup kitchens in your neighborhood. Donating money is more helpful than donating items to food banks because they can purchase items in bulk. For example, some food banks can get $4 or $6 worth of food for every $1 donated. So, instead of $1 worth of food, they are able to get four times as much for the community.
2. Ask The Food Bank, Food Pantry, And Soup Kitchen What They Need
Call your local food bank, food pantry, and soup kitchens asking what they need. All will need money. But, some will may also ask for specific items, volunteers, or a combination of those.
3. Check In On Your Neighbors
Knock on their door. Call them. Start a conversation when you see them outside. Be vulnerable and ask them if they have enough to eat and if they have consistent access to food.
If you’re able and willing, tell them that if they are in need, to come to you for support. Then, be the person who takes them grocery shopping or sets an extra plate out at meal time.
4. Join Your Local “Buy Nothing” Group On Facebook
Post unopened and leftover food each week and prioritize giving it to neighbors who are struggling.
If you’re financially able to, post in the group and across social media offering to be a SNAP recipient’s grocery buddy. On social media people have been connecting with those who currently receive benefits and are coordinating a time to meet at grocery stores/ deliver groceries to their home.
Other Resources: Find Help is a free database connecting help to those who need it.
5. Restock A Community Fridge
Find the closest community fridge and fill it with fresh items. To locate one, search “community fridge near me”.
If you’re in Chicago, The Love Fridge has locations across the city.
6. Call Your Representatives
Call your representatives and demand they immediately take action to protect SNAP benefits and support their constituents. The free app, 5 Calls, has scripts and helps you locate your representatives.
7. Mobilize Your Communities
Ask your apartment complex, church, work, and other community spaces to create a free food section in their building for those in need.
Not everyone is comfortable asking for help. And, they might not be able to leave work to go to the food pantry or soup kitchen, to get food.
8. Pay Off Student’s Lunch Debt
Call the schools in your neighborhood and pay off children’s lunch debt. For many children, this is the only guaranteed meal that they will have during the day.
