NEA President Becky Pringle Talks Voting And SNAP Funding: “Our Kids Can’t Learn if They Are Hungry.”

November 4, 2025

Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, appeared on a radio program to criticize the Trump Administration's failure to follow federal court orders requiring the immediate distribution of SNAP benefits to families. She explained that these benefit interruptions directly harm schools by affecting meal programs, and that hungry students cannot learn effectively in classrooms. In response to the crisis, educators have created food pantries and other resources to support struggling families.

Who is affected

Students who rely on school breakfast and lunch programs
Families receiving SNAP benefits
Teachers and educators
Schools and the public education system

What action is being taken

Educators are setting up food pantries in schools to feed students
Teachers are providing support for students and families in the absence of SNAP benefits
The NEA is providing resources and actions through nea.org/protect
Federal judges have ordered the Administration to disburse SNAP funds

Why it matters

SNAP benefits are critical for ensuring students can learn effectively, as hunger and other basic needs directly impact classroom performance. The disruption of these benefits creates chaos and hardship for vulnerable families while forcing educators to step beyond their traditional roles to provide basic necessities for students, highlighting systemic failures in the social safety net.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

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