SNAP, a food assistance program many Americans have relied upon for 60 years, has recently faced a funding cut and the future remains uncertain, with potential cuts on the horizon. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are monthly funds provided by the federal government to help low-income individuals and families afford groceries.
In November, the payments to families were cut due to the adjustment or requirements enacted by the One Big Beautiful Act of 2025, which expands work requirements and reduces exemptions for able-bodied adults without dependents, ages 18-64. Many key adjustments include the exemption for older adults was raised from 50 to 65 years, parents are only exempt if their youngest child is under 14, and exemptions for homeless individuals and young adults who aged out of foster care were removed.
More than 42 million Americans use SNAP to feed themselves and their families. Up to 1.1 million people nationwide may lose SNAP benefits this year, including 800,000 able-bodied adults, and 250,000 refugees may see benefit cuts.
Following the administration’s idea to halt the payments of SNAP, two U.S. District judges ruled that the government should pay out the full amount, but many people are still waiting and not fully informed about what is truly happening as the government continues to adjust policies. Students and families everywhere, including East Lyme
schools, come from homes where SNAP is often the only way that their family can afford groceries.
In Connecticut, the state has worked to help people who would be impacted by these sudden cuts. The state governor
and state leaders changed policies, declaring that the state will fund SNAP benefits and put more money into food support this year, planning $500 million in extra relief. Still, at least 36,000 people here in Connecticut are about to face losing their benefits, including families and veterans.
This is exactly where local support groups and drives really come in. Care and Share is one of the most impactful helpers locally. Groups like Care and Share help support people in need while the government solves issues. ELHS often partners with Care and Share to collect food, which is provided right here in town. In recent events, ELHS
collaborated with Care and Share during Spirit Week and collected food, which will help those in need.
When the government changes result in people worrying, programs like Care and Share matter even more. Free lunch programs and school drives are lifesavers, but they only work if people know about them and chip in. It’s not simply about just giving food; it reminds everyone that helping out makes a real difference.
Students and staff can help by bringing in a can, volunteering, or just simply checking in on your friends- you could make a real difference in someone’s life
