The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits to help families budget their expenses. SNAP is the nation’s most relied on anti-hunger program, supporting over 41 million American families (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities).
The federally funded program is designed to help families with low incomes, disabilities, veterans and adults aged 60 and over afford their everyday meals. In order to receive SNAP, the people applying must meet certain criteria to demonstrate their need and abide by guidelines. Monthly, each eligible family receives around $187 to put food on their table. Not only does SNAP assist families financially, but one of its other main benefits is giving students (K-12) free or reduced-price lunches (Johns Hopkins).
On Nov. 1, 2025, SNAP stopped giving out aid due to the government shutdown that began on Oct. 1. Communities nationwide are being subjected to the change, including North Liberty, Iowa. The North Liberty Food Pantry is one business that has taken on the hardships of the government shutdown, alongside the struggles due to the discontinuation of SNAP benefits…