,
11 tweets,
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Trump is threatening his shutdown could last “months” or even “years.”
If it continues even a few more weeks, we’ll see hunger in America skyrocket as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (aka food stamps) starts to run short on funds.
(THREAD.)
#HandsOffSNAP
If it continues even a few more weeks, we’ll see hunger in America skyrocket as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (aka food stamps) starts to run short on funds.
(THREAD.)
#HandsOffSNAP
1. SNAP, the nation’s largest food assistance program, helps nearly 40 million people in some 20 million households put food on the table.
Right now SNAP has enough federally appropriated funds to make it through January.
Right now SNAP has enough federally appropriated funds to make it through January.
2. If the shutdown continues into February, millions of struggling Americans’ food assistance will be at risk as SNAP starts to run short on appropriated $.
3. Depending on how the Trump admin decides to handle a shortfall in SNAP, we could see delays in families getting desperately needed food assistance and even across-the-board cuts.
4. Reminder that we’re talking about a program that provides an average of $1.40 per person, per meal.
SNAP benefits are so meager, they already run out for most households by the third week of the month.
SNAP benefits are so meager, they already run out for most households by the third week of the month.
5. If the shutdown continues into March, food assistance through SNAP will likely be SHUT OFF ALTOGETHER--until the government reopens or Congress takes emergency action to fund the program.
6. Furloughed federal workers struggling to make ends meet during the shutdown will face a double-whammy—on top of no income, no food assistance.
7. Trump claims charities will make up the difference. But as food banks around the country can testify, this doesn’t come close to passing the laugh test, as the amount of unmet need is already tremendous.
8. Meanwhile the >250,000 supermarkets, grocery stores & other retailers that participate in SNAP will be hurt by cuts as well, causing ripple effects in hard-hit communities across the U.S.
9. While we’re already starting to see the early effects of the shutdown on SNAP -- for example retailers unable to renew their SNAP licenses -- it’s important to note that benefit cuts are not yet in effect, and will only go into effect if the shutdown continues.
10. But the picture ain't pretty for Trump's "forgotten man and woman" if it lasts even a few more weeks.
Follow along for updates as this goat rodeo continues….
/end for now
Follow along for updates as this goat rodeo continues….
/end for now
