Steps to Take if SNAP Benefits Stop

Over 47 million Americans currently receive food assistance through food stamps, called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.  In the last week a computer glitch caused the SNAP electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card system to be temporarily unavailable, resulting in some people not getting food and others getting too much.  There has also been a directive for states to withhold benefit payments to participants for the month of November until further notice issued.  Of course, this could turn out to be nothing if the government rights itself with a budget deal, but any situation that stops benefits to those who rely on the SNAP program for food could cause some serious problems.

There are many ways these benefits could be halted in the future, including government budget problems, natural disasters, or widespread power outages.  So what can be done if food assistance benefits are unavailable?

For Those Receiving Benefits

If you are the recipient of food stamps and benefits are not available, you will still need to feed your family.  I implore you to take food storage seriously now.  If you have a supply of food, even a small one, you can feed your family for some time without needing the assistance of outside groups.  Food assistance programs CAN be used to purchase shelf stable canned and dry foods that you can add to your food storage if they are not needed that month to feed your family, so it is possible to build a supply of food even if you are receiving government food assistance.  If benefits are not available and you do NOT have food stored, there are other sources for food assistance.  Be aware that in a large scale event, these sources can become overwhelmed as well and may not have food available to provide you.

• Family or friends.  If you have no food for your family, do not be too proud to ask your family or friends for help.  They may be in a better financial situation or have food available and be willing to offer assistance to help you get the food you need.
• Food Banks.  Food banks rely on donations from individuals and businesses and generally have many non-perishable foods available as well as some refrigerated and frozen foods.  Qualifications for receiving food may vary depending on the food bank.
• Soup Kitchens.  These facilities may be open only certain days or for certain meals, but some serve three meals a day five days a week.  Offer to volunteer to serve or clean up to help the kitchen.
• LDS Church Bishops.  You do not need to be a member of the LDS Church to receive help from your local Bishop’s Storehouse.  You will need to consult with your local bishop and they may ask you to perform some type of service (like cleaning buildings or working hours in the storehouse) in return for any help you may receive.
• Other Local Charities.  Check with the United Way for other local charities that may be able to provide assistance to you or your family.

Look for ways to decrease your dependence on government support.  With the state of the government lately, they are the last ones I would want to rely on to provide anything for my family.

Receiving Benefits or Not

Whether or not you are currently receiving SNAP benefits, there are some very real possibilities if food assistance programs are stopped that you should be aware of.

• Increased theft.  People will steal to feed their families.  They may steal food or other valuable items that could be traded or sold for food.  Be extra vigilant in guarding yourself and your family if food supplies are scarce.
• Riots or civil unrest.  This is food we’re talking about.  People have been known to riot over sports games, so you know things could get out of hand with a disruption to food supplies.  Hungry people are not known to be the most reasonable, especially if their system of providing food for their families is suddenly gone.  This could happen within hours of realizing the system is not working.  Be prepared to leave dangerous situations, even if it means leaving your full grocery cart in a store to take yourself out of a bad situation.  Get home or to another safe location, and plan to stay put until it is safe to leave.

This all goes back to being self reliant and the basics of being prepared.  Just another possible scenario where having a plan, communications, food storage, and a means of protecting and defending yourself could be a life saver.

Keep preparing! Angela

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