Here & Now Anytime Millions to lose SNAP benefits if shutdown continues
Oct 27, 2025
Maya C. Miller, a politics reporter for CalMatters, delves into California's Proposition 50 and the fierce redistricting battles shaping the upcoming election. Retired General Barry McCaffrey shares insights on the strategic and legal ramifications of the Trump administration's military strikes in the Caribbean. Sara Stone, a Pennsylvania mother of three relying on SNAP benefits, candidly discusses the dire impact of a potential government shutdown on her family's food security, detailing how her household navigates financial strain amidst political turmoil.
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Working Family Forced To Choose Bills Or Food
- Sara Stone, a 34-year-old mother of three in Pennsylvania, said losing SNAP means choosing which bills go unpaid to buy food.
- She and her partner work but still rely on SNAP ($280) and WIC ($200) while rent and medical needs strain their budget.
SNAP Benefits Are Extremely Limited
- One in eight Americans use SNAP and the average benefit is about $187 per month.
- That small average payment highlights how minimal SNAP is relative to living costs.
Use Food Banks And Cheap Staples Immediately
- Use local food banks and existing resources as immediate stopgaps when benefits lapse.
- Stock affordable, shelf-stable items while prioritizing required foods for children with special diets.