November 3, 2025

Statement from Civic Tech Nonprofits on SNAP Benefits Disruption

“I receive food stamps… I pay rent. I pay electricity. I pay all the bills I have. I have very little money left. But I have the food stamps, thank God, they’re helping me.“

– “Mercedes,” California

Starting November 1, an estimated 42 million Americans, including families with children, older adults, and veterans began losing access to food assistance through disruption of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). We call for SNAP to be fully funded to prevent hunger, protect the most vulnerable, and provide economic stability.

Our organizations — the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University, Better Government Lab, Civilla, Code for America, and Public Policy Lab — work directly with the people and the governments affected by these disruptions. This is not an abstract budget issue; it’s a direct threat to the health and dignity of people in every state and community. 

Every SNAP dollar also generates about $1.54 in economic activity, supporting grocery stores, farmers, and small businesses. When families lose benefits, it’s not just households that feel the impact — it’s also local economies, workers, and communities losing income.

“We have food stamps, but that’s questionable, as of, like, coming next month, I’m not too sure what that’s gonna look like for me. I’m just blessed to have the resources I have. And it’s scary to not know how long it’s going to be available.”

– “Lynn,” community college student and mother to a 6-year-old 

Food is a basic human need. How our nation responds in this moment will define whether we care for our neighbors, or allow millions to go hungry. We commend state leaders coordinating emergency aid to help their most vulnerable during this time, but states and local food banks cannot fill this gap. SNAP must be fully funded now. 

“If it wasn’t for… my oldest daughter getting food stamps or these free food banks and stuff, that refrigerator would be empty.”

–“Daniela,” Pennsylvania

Quotes in this statement are taken from The People Say, a public-interest platform to advance equitable policymaking with qualitative research, per that site’s terms of use, and from research conducted by the Family Benefits Lab at the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation.  

 

Press Contact:

Eric Conrad, GMMB
Eric.conrad@gmmb.com