Wise Giving Wednesday: How You Can Help Families Impacted by the SNAP Benefits Pause

As millions of Americans face food insecurity due to the potential SNAP benefits pause, nonprofits and donors alike are stepping up to meet the growing need.

SNAP Suspension Could Affect 42 Million Americans

As a result of the ongoing government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it lacks the funds to distribute benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, starting November 1. As reported by CNN, this suspension will affect nearly 42 million people, or 1 in 8 Americans, with approximately 39% of recipients being children, 20% seniors, and 10% people with disabilities. The Associated Press reported that “food banks and pantries were already struggling after federal program cuts this year, but now they’re bracing for a tsunami of hungry people if a pause in federal food aid to low-income people kicks in…”

Feeding America: “This Is Not About Politics. It Is About People.”

In a statement released on October 24, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of BBB Accredited Charity Feeding America, said:

“We are not alone in our understanding that families everywhere are on the brink of, or have already been forced to make, impossible choices between food and other necessities like housing and health care. For the Feeding America network, this is not about politics. It is about people. The most challenging and heartbreaking situation for staff members and volunteers is when the pantry shelves are empty, and they must turn people away—veterans, seniors, families with young children.”

Ways to Support Food-Insecure Families During SNAP Benefits Pause

If you are looking to help during the SNAP benefits pause, consider the following:

• Support National or Local Food Banks: Food banks operate at both local and national levels. Some partner with community businesses and farmers to recover food that would otherwise go to waste, while others collaborate to advocate for expanded food access and address underlying causes of hunger. For example, visit Feeding America (a BBB Accredited Charity) to support a nationwide network or help locate a food bank near you.
• Support Other Organizations Helping Those Affected: Other assistance programs, such as preschool support and initiatives that aid mothers and infants, may also be affected. The loss of SNAP benefits may also affect families’ ability to pay for housing, medical bills, pet care, and other essential needs. If you care most about health, children, or animals, consider donating to charities serving those areas.
• There are Multiple Ways to Give: You can support food banks through monetary donations, donating nonperishable food items like canned or boxed goods, or volunteering your time. Ask the charity how you can best support them.
• Give to Trustworthy Charities: Visit Give.org to see if the charity meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., a BBB Accredited Charity). If a BBB charity report is not available on a shelter, review the organization’s website for additional details about its services, needs, and achievements.

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Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• CHC: Creating Healthier Communities
• Favor International
• Keep America Beautiful

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.