Stories from SNAP families impacted by the shutdown

Kaitlin, Tennessee

“We have seven people in our family, six of whom live here full time. I’m 30, my fiancé is 29, and our kids are 13, 10, 6, 4, and 1.

My biggest worry was: how are my kids gonna eat? My fiancé works full-time, and I’m self-employed. Everything we make goes to pay our bills. We don’t have extra money to spend, so it’s either we keep a roof over our heads with lights and water, or we eat. It’s definitely a struggle for a lot of people. I’ve visited food banks and churches. I always made sure the kids had something to eat, even if I didn’t.

The cash definitely helped. I was able to get a little bit of groceries to get us by for a couple of days. Anything would have been a blessing, as long as we were able to feed the kids.

What you’re doing is amazing, and it’s truly a blessing for a lot of people.”

Kierra, Arizona

“I have a family of 4 that includes myself, my partner and our 2 young children. The oldest is 5 and the youngest is 2.

It was very worrying. I’m out of work, my partner was in between jobs, and we get a high amount in benefits, which really helps us. We knew we probably wouldn’t have a great Thanksgiving, and now we’re struggling just to find food day by day. I would visit food banks and try to pre-plan meals for the next day, just so I knew for sure the kids had food. But someone would skip meals just to make sure everyone else had eaten.

I was so grateful for the cash, it helped us tremendously. I went to the grocery store immediately and bought food, mostly for my children. The sign-up process was fast and simple. 

It made a huge difference, because I had no idea what we were going to eat. We are extremely grateful that they did this.”

Shanice, Florida

“There are four people living in my house: myself (32), my daughter (11), my son (7), who has autism, and my youngest son (5).

My biggest worry is how are we going to pay for food? We have to delay paying bills. It’s already hard trying to work when you have a special needs child and very little support system.

I was very happy to receive the support. As soon as I saw that we were able to get it, I signed up right away. The entire process was easy.

My youngest is turning 6 next week, so I bought some items so we can celebrate his birthday. Now he can have a cake.

Yes, some people look down on us because we receive SNAP, but it made a big difference. When you have kids, every little bit helps. Thank you so much. You don’t understand how big of a help it is to us.”

Dominick, Wisconsin

“It’s me and my four kids. I’m 42, and they are 12, 10, 7, and 6.

The biggest thing on my mind was, how am I going to feed my kids? Thank God we’re still able to survive, but it’s a long month to go. We’ve gotten food from food banks, and we limit how much we eat each day to make the food last.

It felt good knowing I can still receive some help. I spent it all on food for my babies. The cash is great because I can use it for food or gas to transport my kids and for me to be able to work.

It made a ton of difference for us. People are really grateful for the program.”

Crystal, Pennsylvania

“I’m a single mom to three kids, currently living in a domestic violence shelter. The last year has been a constant fight to get myself into a better place—mentally and financially. I’m proud to say that, as of December 1st, my kids and I will finally have a place of our own to call home, just in time for a nice family Christmas!

I definitely felt panicky when I found out. Most SNAP recipients don’t have any benefits left by the end of the month—it’s in the name, supplemental. I have a 14-year-old who isn’t just a picky eater, but has a lot of food intolerances, so we purchase the same items and prepare the same meals often. I also have twin toddlers who are still new to self-feeding, and what they will or won’t eat changes from meal to meal.

I just want to make sure my kids are not only fed, but that I’m offering them things they like—meals that are nutritious and good for them. Single motherhood is hard enough without the added stress of food scarcity and trying to figure out where to cut corners. That’s meant skipping two out of three meals each day and not even buying my one small splurge—coffee creamer. It’s just one more sacrifice for my kids. But when I’m up at 5 AM preparing for a 12-hour day away from home, all I want is a hot cup of coffee to start my day.

I’ve been skipping meals to make sure my kids have what they need. I’ve cut back on little things—a candy bar here, coffee creamer there—and was even planning to skip a credit card payment just to afford some staples for the week. I’m a hardworking, law-abiding citizen with no support from family or elsewhere. I’m all my kids have. At least with SNAP, I’ve had a decent food budget and one less major stressor in our lives.

Honestly, I thought this would end up being a scam or something that just wasn’t real. But when I got the email that the funds were available, I was thrilled! It was a seriously amazing surprise. I spent some of the money on diapers for my twins. I’ve been on sick leave from work for a week and a half, and my next paycheck will be very small. That money came just in time—and I mean by hours.

The process was so simple. You just fill out general information, choose how you want the payment, and that’s it. And the best part is that the funds can be used however a person sees fit. I didn’t have to wait until payday or take a cash advance just to get my toddlers diapers. And the remaining balance is there for when I need it.

This truly was a blessing in disguise. The world is a tough place these days, and for many people, this may be the difference between whether they eat that day or not. Hope and faith are powerful motivators. You’re doing more good than you’ll ever know. So many thank yous.”

Dorothy, Michigan

“Myself and my husband are both 40. Our daughter is 13 and our son is 10.

My children would go hungry—and they did—until you helped us. Me and my husband didn’t eat for three days so our kids could eat. When the food ran out, my kids didn’t eat for almost two days, except at school.

It was a lifesaver. I spent the money on food for them. The whole process was very simple—from setting up the account to receiving the funds. You made sure my kids were fed for a couple of days.

The cash was especially helpful because I could spend it directly in the store. A lot of places don’t do vouchers. Food is expensive, but this allowed my kids to eat for a few days.

Without this, my kids would go hungry. I had no hope for how to feed my family. But this time, my kids went to bed with a smile because their stomachs were full.”

Selene, Florida

“I’m 27, with four kids who are 10, 9, 7, and 6.

I knew I wouldn’t be eating because all the food needed to go to the kids. By the last week of the month, we had very, very little. When we were told there would be no more funding, I lost it. We’re all going through hard times, and after being homeless with four kids for two and a half years, we finally just got back into a place of our own.

I rely on food stamps to feed the kids while I work full time, so losing that support is a huge inconvenience. Do I pay the bills and keep a roof over our heads, or do I feed the kids? No one should have to make that decision.

Food banks are empty. I didn’t pay some bills this month because the food stamps were gone—my kids had to eat. And I’m eating their scraps.

Receiving the cash was a small weight lifted off my shoulders. I wish it could be more, but I’m always grateful. I bought rice, canned goods, and noodles. I really appreciate how fast I got the money. Now I have food for at least a week. My kids are eating, and that’s all that matters to me.”

Sabrina, Colorado

“In my household, there are six of us, my five kids and myself. I’m 34, and my kids are 16, 11, 8, 4, and 2.

When I heard about the government shutdown and how we wouldn’t be getting our SNAP benefits, I was stressing out. I prayed that God would provide a way for me to feed my kids until we received benefits. My biggest worry was that my kids wouldn’t have meals on the weekends when they’re home from school. 

Before receiving the cash support, I visited the food bank at my church. When I got the $50 payment, I felt a sense of relief. I just knew we would be okay for a little bit longer.

I spent the $50 on food for the week, just a couple of meals that I could make. The whole process was very easy: enrolling for the card, creating the account, and loading it to my Google Pay. Honestly, anything would have helped, but I really liked receiving the cash card because it was easy to use.

My kids didn’t have to see that we were struggling, at least not at that point. I was very thankful for the help, just to be able to provide for my family a little bit longer while going through this tough time.

Thank you!”

Rashe, Pennsylvania

“I have a family of nine, including myself. I have five beautiful girls, Sarii (11), Sulai (8), SunShine (4), SurahRenee (1), and Sevyn, who is just one week old. I also have two sons, Suaad (13) and Su’Haan (7).

When I realized I wouldn’t be receiving SNAP benefits, I immediately panicked. I was scared and afraid, not for me, but for my children. What worried me the most was the thought that my family might go to bed with empty stomachs. I imagined their bellies growling at night, and it broke my heart. Thank Allah for Propel and GiveDirectly for helping my family go to bed with full stomachs.

Before receiving assistance, I would spend my very last dollar on a meal for my family, even if it meant not paying the bills. When I saw that Propel and GiveDirectly were funding families with $50 to help during the SNAP delays, I could finally take a deep breath of relief. It truly helped so much and came just in time for our needs.

I’m spending the $50 on food, food, and more food! My family will enjoy and appreciate this big meal from the bottom of their bellies. The process was so fast and easy, from signing up to receiving the benefits.

Receiving the cash instead of credit gave my family more options when it came to food selection, which made a big difference.

That $50 assistance meant everything. It gave us another day to sit down and eat a full meal together as one big family. Please continue to support and donate to help families like mine, it really does make a huge difference.”

Cassandra, Kentucky

“I live with four people, whose ages are 48, 30, 12, and 10. The only income in my household is my disability check, and without it, I wouldn’t have money for food for my children.

I’ve skipped meals so my children could eat, and I’ve pushed bills out as far as I could. I buy small microwave meals since they’re the cheapest option and I can get a lot of them.

The cash can be used anywhere, which is helpful, but food or vouchers can only be used for what they’re meant for and that can help with a specific need. 

I was able to get a little bit of food, and I’m so grateful for your donations. They’ve helped my family, even if in a small way. Any help is welcomed. Because of your generosity, my family was able to eat for a few days.”

Savannah, Wisconsin

“It’s me, my fiancé, and our two kids, our 3-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son.

We were already homeless, struggling to find a place to stay when they announced the cutoff. It’s been very stressful not even being able to grab the basics for my kids, things like milk, bread, eggs, and juice.

For the past few days, we’ve been surviving off ramen and oatmeal. We even had to put off getting our new apartment because we couldn’t afford groceries with the shutdown.

Getting that help felt like a Christmas gift. I was able to grab breakfast and dinner for my kids for the next few days. I spent the money on some basic necessities, and last night I made my daughter’s favorite meal, pancakes and bacon!

I was so happy they gave me a digital card that I didn’t have to wait for in the mail. It helped us add a little more variety to our diet instead of just ramen and oatmeal. I was even able to get some fresh fruit and vegetables for my family.

Thank you for helping during a time when everyone is struggling. It’s very much appreciated more than you will ever know. ❤️”

Christina, Pennsylvania

“I’m 45, and I have three amazing boys, ages 8, 9, and 15.

My biggest concern was how I was going to feed my boys. In that moment, I realized just how much harder life was about to get. I don’t have anyone to help me with things like food, other than the SNAP benefits I usually receive on the 1st of the month. It’s only been a few days since we should have gotten them, and already it’s been very hard.

There have been skipped meals, and I wasn’t able to pay two bills that are due at the beginning of each month. We’re so thankful for the $50 you gave my family so quickly. When I got it I cried. It made things a little easier that day. We are very grateful. 🙏

I spent the money on food: milk, cheese, meat, noodles, corn, and rice. Since I already had the Propel app, it was easy to use.

Yes, I appreciated receiving cash, because I know exactly what will feed my family and how to stretch it so my kids aren’t hungry. The support helped us get through without my boys going hungry, even if it was just for a few days. They were fed, and that’s what mattered.

Some of us, real single moms, are also full-time students, like me, in medical coding and billing school, trying to raise our children with no financial help. SNAP benefits have been a temporary blessing in our lives. Nothing is forever, but having that support taken away through no fault of my own has been incredibly hard to deal with.”

Nichole, Kentucky

“It’s me and my three children. I have a 5-year-old son, a 3-year-old son, and a 2-year-old daughter.

When I heard the news, I was in shock. My biggest worry was, how am I going to feed my children? They’re not even old enough to understand what’s happening; all they know is that we don’t have much food. 😭

I went without meals myself. Instead of three meals a day, I was only eating two or sometimes just one, so that my children could have enough. Receiving help was such a relief. I truly cannot express my appreciation enough.

I spent the money on as much food as I could for my children. Having cash was more useful because not everywhere accepts vouchers. And while I would have been so grateful for food if it had been given, sometimes we can’t use everything, and it might go to waste. With the cash donation, I was able to get things my children actually like, so nothing was wasted.

Oh my gosh, it made such a difference. I was able to feed my kids without them seeing me worry or hearing me tell them we don’t have certain things.

Any kind of donation is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.”

Lisa, North Carolina

“We’re a family of five—ages 31, 16, 14, and 12. With no benefits left from last month and being short on money because we’re currently staying in a hotel, I was really worried we wouldn’t have enough to feed everyone. Most of our money goes to covering the hotel stay.

We skipped meals, reduced extra bills, and visited several food banks just trying to get by.

When the support came through, it was such a blessing, right at the exact moment we needed it. We spent the money on groceries at Food Lion. The process was clear and simple, and I was able to add the card to my Apple Wallet.

Having cash was useful because once I got the groceries, I was also able to use $10 for gas. It made a huge difference. When I checked Propel, I had no way to feed my family and was trying to figure out what to do next. At first, I thought the ad was a scam, but I figured, what’s the worst that could happen? Maybe we wouldn’t get the $50. When we did I immediately bought groceries. I was so grateful.

Thank you for your kindness. If you’re not sure whether your donations are making a difference in someone’s life, just know.”

Keybrina, Pennsylvania

“There are four people living with me, my children, whose ages range from 4 to 10 years old.

When I realized I wouldn’t be receiving my SNAP benefits, I felt saddened. It reminded me of April 2025, when my benefits were stolen and my children and I spent an entire month traveling from one food pantry to the next just to eat. I was worried we’d have to go through that again this November.

Before receiving the $50 cash support, we were running low on the food I had stocked up the previous month. So when the payment came through, it felt amazing. It arrived just in time and has helped a lot.

I spent the $50 on groceries, mostly from the freezer sections at Family Dollar, Save A Lot, and Dollar General. I’m truly grateful. The process of signing up for the virtual card and receiving the payment was simple, and I was satisfied with how smoothly it all went.The support gave peace of mind for my family and I. THANK YOU.”

JNaya, Illinois

“It’s me and my three children, ages 7, 3, and just 1 month old.

When I found out we could lose our benefits, I grew increasingly panicked. I’m currently on FMLA leave with no income, so I’ve been depending on SNAP to feed my children until I return to work.

I decided to let my son go stay with family because I couldn’t afford to feed all of us. What little food we had, my 3-year-old daughter ate before me, and my newborn is breastfeeding.

When I received the $50, I immediately went to the grocery store and bought things that could stretch, hot dogs, bread, milk. I even used part of it for gas just to get to the store. I couldn’t believe I got it.

Anything would have helped, but with cash I was able to get the gas we needed to go to the store. Even if it didn’t seem like a lot, it was enough to give us hope that we could get through this.

I would like to thank them [donors] because a lot of us didn’t have anything. I’ve been struggling since going on leave with my newborn and trying to do it alone. That $50 really was appreciated and spent on keeping hope in my home.”

Shanice, New York

“We’re a family of four, me and my three kids, ages 11, 8, and 4. When I heard about the cuts panic mode set in! Not because I don’t work, but because food is so expensive. Even on a regular week, I don’t have much cash left after paying bills, and now I had to figure out how to budget in weekly trips to the store. It was truly overwhelming trying to figure out how to get it all done.

I was skipping meals and going to bed hungry, ME, not the kids. I also had to make partial bill payments just to get by.

Now, I’m feeling blessed and highly favored. I plan to add this cash to my weekly shopping trip. I’m so grateful for the help. We didn’t get much, but we were able to buy toilet paper and milk for cereal again, I feel blessed.

I’m a single mom. I need help. We all need help sometimes. So again, I’m just grateful for the blessing in this moment.”

Veleda, Georgia

“In my house, it’s myself and my three children, ages 16, 12, and 6. I’m 32.

I was worried about Thanksgiving, about the children, and about other families who are struggling severely right now. I had to delay the power bill and visit the food bank just to get by.

When this support came, it felt like someone actually cared enough to look out for us because it doesn’t feel like the president does.

I haven’t spent the money yet, but I prefer receiving cash because I can use it on non-food items too, like toilet paper and other basic necessities. It’s given us some relief. Thank you so much, and many blessings.”

Veronica, Illinois

“It’s me and my three children, Calliope (7), Bradley Jr. (3), and Bastin (2).

I was definitely feeling a lot of anxiety and stress as we approached the end of the month. We barely had anything left in our pantry, and we still haven’t received any SNAP.

I skipped quite a few meals just to make sure my kids had enough to eat, and I had to delay two bills. So when I received the cash, it felt great. I was able to feed my children, and I’m so thankful.

I spent it on food, milk, eggs, bread, meat, and cereal. It made a huge difference. My kids got to eat three meals instead of just two small meals.

I’m so thankful for all your hard work and kindness. Me and my kids appreciate you all so much.”

Santosha, Illinois

“We are a family of four, including myself, a 38-year-old woman, with my 18-year-old son, my 14-year-old daughter, and my 1-year-old baby girl.

All I think about every day is how I’m going to feed my babies. Nothing has ever been more important to me, but it’s a much bigger fear and struggle when it’s out of your control. All I can do is keep working, go to food pantries, and hope it’s enough. And a lot of times, it’s not. I go to sleep hungry some nights, as long as they’ve eaten.

SNAP has truly benefited our household, and I’m thankful for any help that we receive.

At one point, food was cheaper, but now even with support, I sometimes still have to pay cash for groceries. Without that extra help, everything feels much more stressful.

I was so happy, even with the price of food, to be able to spend the assistance on groceries to help us survive until my payday. I would have been grateful for whatever was given.

We had so little food, and I appreciate it a lot. I’m grateful that there are still people who want to help. I’m a single mother doing the best I can, but it really helps to know that people care.”