The Brian Lehrer Show Friday Morning Politics: The Continuing Government Shutdown
Nov 7, 2025
Tolu Olorunnipa, a staff writer at The Atlantic specializing in national politics, dives into the ongoing government shutdown and its dire effects on SNAP benefits. He highlights how 42 million Americans are impacted, with overwhelmed food banks struggling to meet rising demands. Olorunnipa discusses the political implications of the shutdown, from lawmakers' responses to changing voter sentiments. He also emphasizes the necessity for diverse aid beyond food, addressing the urgent needs of various communities during this crisis.
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Scale Of SNAP Dependence
- About 42 million Americans rely on SNAP, roughly one in eight people nationwide.
- The abrupt halt of November benefits pushed many into immediate food insecurity and stress.
SNAP Reaches Diverse Communities
- SNAP recipients live across urban, suburban, and rural America, cutting across party lines.
- The program supports working families, seniors, and communities in both red and blue states.
Small Town Food Bank Runs Dry
- A food bank in Hohenwald, Tennessee, canceled a distribution because supplies ran out.
- Local food banks report being overwhelmed and unable to meet surging demand after SNAP paused.