Missed Benefits, Lasting Consequences: The Ripple Effect on Caregivers, Children, and Seniors
The federal government recently ended the longest shutdown in history—43 days of no, or limited, operations. This shutdown caused the cessation of services in federal agencies, air travel was in chaos, and federal workers who were considered essential were required to work without pay. The shutdown signaled even more chaos in what is already a divisive and unstable time.
One of the far-reaching impacts of the shutdown was the delay in the issuance of benefits provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as SNAP and formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. Established in 1964, SNAP is a federal program that provides monthly benefits to low-income families so that they can obtain food.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) which administers the SNAP program indicates that, in 2023, 79% of SNAP households included a child, an elderly individual, or a nonelderly individual with a disability. Indeed, recipients of SNAP benefits are the most vulnerable members of society. Moreover, households that receive SNAP benefits are likely to include the caregivers of children, elderly individuals, and individuals with disabilities.
Even without a shutdown, there were already high levels of food instability in this country. Food costs are high, donations to charities are down. In the midst of this, SNAP recipients were faced with losing a lifeline to food access. Although many food pantries and similar charities stepped up in attempts to close the gaps caused by the delay in SNAP benefits, these organizations only have so many resources—especially in these uncertain times.
The shutdown ended on November 12. However, the ripple effect of insecurity caused by the shutdown continues. There is no way to make up for missed meals. There is also no way to ease the anxiety of those who fear the next shutdown or the next delay in and/or denial of benefits.
As noted, the majority of SNAP recipients are children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. The caregivers of these recipients are also recipients of SNAP benefits. The very nature of being a caregiver can mean job insecurity. Even with job protections, caregivers often have their workplace rights violated. This is especially so for low-income workers. Threats to lifelines such as SNAP benefits place caregivers, and the people to whom they provide care, in very tenuous positions.
Even as benefits have been restored, there are ongoing efforts to restructure SNAP. Stricter work requirements have been proposed—a challenge that will not be possible for many SNAP recipients. Stricter work requirements also ignore the currently dismal job market for some of the most vulnerable categories of workers. Restrictions on the types of food that can be purchased with SNAP benefits have been proposed. In theory this may seem reasonable. However, the reality of food costs means that food items that are unhealthy may often be the most affordable—especially in terms of feeding entire families.
As we revel in the merriment of holiday celebrations which are often anchored by delicious food, we cannot forget that the upcoming year will mean continued food insecurity to the most vulnerable. The new year will also mean new threats to the viability of programs such as SNAP. Resources to address the issues of food insecurity are necessary. Food security for the most vulnerable is non-negotiable.
By Phillis H. Rambsy
~ Phillis H. Rambsy is the owner/founder of Rambsy Law PC, where she works as an attorney. Phillis started Rambsy Law as a way to give the firm’s clients and staff, as well as herself, an opportunity to navigate the legal arena in progressive and creative ways, and on their own terms. Phillis is committed to ensuring that clients are educated and empowered as they seek legal services. She is First Shift’s 2025 Board Chair.
