Marketplace All-in-One SNAP is "a really important, invisible piece" of the economy
Oct 30, 2025
Samantha Fields, a Marketplace reporter specializing in economic impacts, discusses the looming delays of SNAP benefits affecting 42 million people. She highlights how SNAP isn't just vital for nutrition but also supports local economies by generating jobs and taxes. The conversation touches on potential ripple effects of these delays in communities. Additionally, Fields explores the broader implications of economic insecurity on consumer behavior, illustrating how pressures are influencing dining choices across the country.
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SNAP's Economic Multiplier
- SNAP spending is an invisible but powerful engine that circulates money through local economies.
- Every dollar of SNAP generates over $1.50 in broader economic activity.
Jobs, Wages, And Taxes From SNAP
- SNAP supports nearly 400,000 U.S. jobs and produces about $20 billion in wages.
- It also generates over $4 billion in tax revenue that sustains communities and businesses.
Stores Rely On SNAP Cash Flow
- Many neighborhood stores rely on SNAP for more than half their sales, especially in low-income and rural areas.
- Interruptions to benefits can force cuts to staff hours, spoilage of perishables, and steep sales declines.