The End of Federal Food Aid Could Hit Black Americans Hardest

November 4, 2025

The Trump administration's suspension of SNAP benefits during a government shutdown is creating severe hardship for millions of Americans, particularly affecting Black communities who represent over 25% of recipients despite being only 12. 6% of the population. Although two federal judges ruled that the administration must continue funding SNAP, officials indicated benefits lost on Saturday could take at least a week to restore.

Who is affected

Over 40 million SNAP recipients nationwide (one in eight Americans)
Black Americans (representing 25% of SNAP recipients while being 12.6% of the population)
Willy Hilaire and his two grandchildren living in a New York shelter
253,000 Asian American residents in New York City who use SNAP
Native American tribal nations including Spirit Lake Nation, Cherokee Nation, Blackfeet Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Shawnee Tribe
Children (39% of beneficiaries), elderly people (20%), and people with disabilities (10%)
30 families counseled by Pastor Cleo Lewis at a Phoenix shelter
Working adults who receive SNAP despite holding low-wage jobs

What action is being taken

Two federal judges are ruling that the administration must continue funding SNAP using contingency funds
The Food Distribution Program in Indian Reservations (FDPIR) is still operating
Multiple tribal nations are declaring states of emergency
Pastor Cleo Lewis is organizing a food drive in Phoenix
Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen and Pantry is providing hot meals in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood
USDA has granted a waiver for November allowing some flexibility for FDPIR

Why it matters

This matters because it exposes and exacerbates deep-rooted systemic racism and economic inequality in America. The disproportionate impact on Black communities—who represent over double their population share among SNAP recipients—reflects centuries of structural disadvantages from slavery to discriminatory policies that have prevented wealth accumulation across generations. The suspension violates the U.S. government's treaty obligations to tribal nations, representing what Indigenous leaders call "the weaponization of food" reminiscent of historical starvation policies. With the racial income gap virtually unchanged for over 20 years and projections showing it could take one to three centuries for Black Americans to achieve economic parity, losing SNAP benefits threatens to deepen existing inequalities. The crisis also reveals that most SNAP recipients are vulnerable populations (children, elderly, disabled) or working people in low-wage jobs, contradicting harmful stereotypes while demonstrating how fragile financial security is for millions of American families who must choose between food and other basic necessities.

What's next

Officials stated that restoring SNAP benefits could likely take at least one week after Saturday's suspension. FDPIR President Mary Greene-Trottier expects to see a substantial increase in demand for her program once SNAP benefits are shut off. Nonprofit leaders predict that low-income residents could face financial setbacks extending into next year, even if benefits are restored before November ends.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint