Americans brace for food stamps to run out: 'The greatest hunger catastrophe since the Great Depression'

[babylonsister]

Americans brace for food stamps to run out: ‘The greatest hunger catastrophe since the Great Depression’
Nearly 42 million people in danger as federal government shutdown continues and Snap funding to end 1 November
Eric Berger
Fri 24 Oct 2025 14.46 EDT

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While Republicans have sought to blame Democrats for the potential loss in benefits that people who make little money rely on, those who work in the food-insecurity space say that is misleading because Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act already eliminated almost $187bn in funding for Snap through 2024, according to a congressional budget office estimate.

Should funding run out at the end of the month, “we will have the greatest hunger catastrophe in America since the Great Depression, and I don’t say that as hyperbole”, said Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America.

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The Department of Agriculture recently sent a letter to regional Snap directors warning them that funding for Snap will run out at the end of the month and directing them to hold payments “until further notice”.

More than 200 Democratic representatives have urged the USDA to use contingency funds to continue paying for Snap benefits.

“There are clear steps the administration can and must take immediately to ensure that millions of families across the country can put food on their table in November,” a letter from the lawmakers to the USDA states. “SNAP benefits reach those in need this November would be a gross dereliction of your responsibilities to the American people. We appreciate your consideration of these requests.”

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https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/24/government-shutdown-food-stamps-snap