Why SNAP Remains Essential

August 21st | Ciara O’Brien

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is the nation’s largest nutrition assistance program and one of the most powerful tools our nation has to fight hunger. At its core, SNAP is simple: It helps people keep food on the table during times of need.

SNAP provides monthly grocery assistance through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works just like a debit card. Recipients can purchase essential food items such as meat, yogurt, eggs, bread, and fresh produce at authorized retailers, including grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and neighborhood bodegas. Eligibility is determined by income, household size, and other factors.

The program is widely recognized as the nation’s most effective anti-hunger program. Additionally, it serves as an economic engine. According to Feeding America, every $1.00 in SNAP benefits generates $1.59 in local economic activity, supporting the businesses and workers that keep our communities strong.

Strengthening Food Security for Working Families

For many families, SNAP is the lifeline that helps them stay afloat during times of rising costs or unexpected hardship. Contrary to misconception, most adults receiving SNAP who can work are working. Eighty-six percent of SNAP households with working-age adults who aren’t disabled have earned income in the past year. SNAP is a supplemental program that helps prevent families from having to sacrifice healthy food when they’re stretching thin budgets.

The Combined Effort of Food Banks and SNAP

Food banks such as Long Island Cares are essential partners in the fight against hunger, providing immediate food relief. But charitable food assistance alone cannot meet the growing need. For every meal a food bank provides, SNAP provides nine. That scale is what makes SNAP indispensable. To effectively combat hunger on Long Island, we need both emergency food providers and strong federal nutrition programs working together.

The Impact of Federal Cost-Shifting on States

Recent federal legislation has shifted major financial responsibility from the federal government onto states. For the first time in SNAP’s history, states will be required to pay a share of SNAP benefit costs based on unintentional paperwork and administrative errors, known as payment error rates. For the state of New York, this is projected to cost $1.1 billion beginning on October 1, 2027. Without the time and resources to improve systems and accuracy, States could be pushed into tough trade-offs, such as reducing or limiting SNAP eligibility or raising taxes.

Protecting Access to Food Assistance

Long Island Cares stands with Feeding America in asking for a two-year delayed implementation of the SNAP Cost-Shift. This will allow states more time to reduce SNAP payment error rates and ensure that the program can remain fully operational. Without thoughtful implementation, vulnerable groups such as families, seniors, veterans, and children are put at risk of increased food insecurity.

When families can reliably access food, children learn better, adults work more consistently, and communities grow stronger. Long Island Cares will continue to advocate for the protection and strengthening of SNAP and other federal nutrition programs that help our neighbors keep food on the table.