Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast A SNAP Update And More From Day 38 Of The Shutdown
Nov 7, 2025
Toluse Olorunnipa, a staff writer at The Atlantic, sheds light on the pressing impacts of the ongoing government shutdown, particularly on SNAP benefits that support 42 million Americans. He discusses how the suspension of payments affects families, food banks facing overwhelming demand, and the political landscape where lawmakers feel the heat from constituents. Olorunnipa also explores the complexities behind appropriations laws and the government's legal strategies, revealing the human cost of political deadlock.
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Scale Of SNAP Dependence
- About 42 million Americans, roughly one in eight, rely on SNAP for food security.
- Tolu Olorunnipa says this is the largest anti-hunger program and crucial even for working families.
November Payments Didn’t Go Out
- All beneficiaries were supposed to get November payments but none went out on November 1st.
- Some households used leftover October funds, but most of the 42 million saw no new benefits a week later.
SNAP Cuts Cross Political Lines
- SNAP beneficiaries live across urban and rural America and cut across political lines.
- Tolu Olorunnipa notes many SNAP recipients live in red states and include Trump voters.