Cal Thomas: The hunger games
In the United States, approximately 42 million individuals rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps, which accounts for about 12.3% of the population, according to the USDA. This figure raises serious concerns about food insecurity in one of the wealthiest nations globally. The ongoing government shutdown has further complicated the situation, with President Trump announcing that only 50% of SNAP benefits will be covered for November, leaving the future of the program uncertain unless the government reopens. This predicament underscores the pressing need to address the root causes of food assistance dependency and the inefficiencies within the SNAP program itself.
Critics point to the significant amount of improper payments—estimated at around $10.5 billion or 11.7% of benefits in fiscal year 2023—as a key area for reform. These improper payments arise from a mix of fraud, administrative errors, and household mistakes. Alarmingly, there has been a 55% increase in fraudulent transactions recently, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues. Moreover, while SNAP includes work and job training requirements for able-bodied individuals, it is essential to ensure that those without children fulfill these obligations. The focus should shift towards promoting financial independence rather than fostering reliance on government assistance. Additionally, there is a call for families to take more responsibility, encouraging adult children to support their elderly parents before seeking government aid.
As the political landscape remains fraught with tension, Senate Democrats have been criticized for leveraging SNAP and other critical services to gain political leverage over Republicans during the shutdown. Public sentiment appears to be shifting, with polls indicating that voters are increasingly blaming Republicans for the impasse. This situation raises questions about the broader implications of government dependency and the political motivations behind maintaining such programs. While many believe it is the government’s responsibility to provide for its citizens, there is a growing concern that this mindset may lead to a cycle of reliance that ultimately harms both individuals and the nation. The challenge for lawmakers will be to find effective solutions that not only address the immediate needs of those reliant on SNAP but also promote long-term self-sufficiency and accountability.
There are an estimated
42 million
people receiving food aid from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (
SNAP
), formerly known as food stamps. The figure represents
12.3 percent
of the U.S. population, according to the USDA. In the richest nation on Earth that is not something to brag about. It is, or ought to be, a disgrace.
SNAP is a casualty of the government “shutdown,” though two federal judges have
ordered
the Trump administration to restore funds to the program. On Monday, President Trump said he will use a contingency fund to cover only
50 percent
of SNAP benefits for November, but none after that if the government doesn’t open.
Now would be a good time to ask why so many Americans seek food assistance. A starting point that should get political support (at least from Republicans) would be the elimination of mistakes, waste and fraud in the SNAP program.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP for the states,
estimates
that in fiscal year 2023 approximately 11.7 percent of SNAP benefits, or about $10.5 billion, were “improper payments,” including fraud and other errors. While overpayments from household errors and administrative mistakes make up the largest portion of these improper payments, the USDA and other experts also report significant issues with benefit trafficking and recent surges in theft. For example, a 55 percent increase in fraudulent transactions occurred between the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.
The first food assistance programs were
established in 1939
during the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Like so many other government programs, when the Depression ended and the need for food assistance subsided, the programs continued and new people were added, even during periods of prosperity.
Following the elimination of improper payments, there should be a focus on the able-bodied who are not working. There is a work and job training requirement for people receiving SNAP benefits. Whether those without children are meeting that requirement should be investigated. The goal should be to wean people off government assistance and toward financial independence. The elderly and those with physical or mental disabilities who qualify, should continue receiving food assistance.
Whatever happened to children caring for their parents who are in need? Adult children with resources should be required to help their parents before turning to the government.
Senate Democrats, most of whom have refused to vote to open the government, continue to use SNAP – as well as air traffic controllers and other vital services – to extort political capital from Republicans. So far it appears to be working. A recent
Quinnipiac
poll found that voters blame Republicans slightly more than Democrats for the shutdown.
Too many Americans believe they are entitled to other people’s money and that it is government’s responsibility to take care of every citizen (and some non-citizens) from cradle to grave. Maybe Congress should be listed among those who are “non-essential” and have their pay suspended. Watch how quickly the government would open again should that occur.
Nearly every problem has a solution. The problem for politicians is that if they solve a problem, they no longer have an issue with which to bash the other party. As long as holding on to political office remains their top priority, nothing will change. More people will come to rely on government, which will help the Democrats, but it will be bad for the country and the people who have become addicted to government.
Readers may email Cal Thomas at
tcaeditors@tribpub.com
. Look for Cal Thomas’ latest book “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America” (HumanixBooks).
