The Truth About Withholding SNAP Benefits

by Rachael Jeck

Register Her Co-Founder & Executive Director

Last week, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins falsely claimed that the Trump administration cannot provide SNAP (food assistance) benefits to 42 million Americans during the ongoing government shutdown, effective November 1. This will be the first time since the program's inception that benefits will be halted. 

That is not true.

According to Sharon Parrott, President of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the administration is legally required to continue providing these benefits. You can read the complete CBPP statement here:

👉 Trump Administration Is Legally Required to Provide SNAP in Shutdown

For millions of women and families, especially those in marginalized communities, SNAP benefits aren't optional. In fact, 1 in 4 children rely on SNAP benefits to meet their daily nutritional needs. 

The great irony is that, aside from providing essential food assistance to millions, SNAP actually benefits the economy. $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 in economic activity.

Having access to accurate information about government programs is critical so that voters can ensure that their elected officials allocate resources to meet their needs. When misinformation spreads about programs like SNAP, it not only causes confusion, but also real harm. 

At Register Her, while we are nonpartisan, we will always speak up when women's rights, dignity, and basic human needs are at stake. The impermissible withholding of government benefits, causing millions of people to go hungry, is shameful. With many of us voting tomorrow, this is a significant opportunity to speak up and let politicians know that you do not support withholding SNAP benefits for millions of Americans.