SNAP benefits: Several American families are struggling to make ends meet as SNAP payments remain suspended during the ongoing government shutdown, leaving them worried about families and pets.
SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, offers monthly financial support for food. Although the benefits cannot be used for pet food, the food assistance program helps low-income families free up money to buy kibble.
On Friday, the Supreme Court granted an emergency appeal by the Trump administration to temporarily block a court order to fully fund SNAP assistance.
Sarah Lungwitz, a 46-year-old auto parts store worker, is worried about her pets. She fears that she might have to give up her cat Bambi and two dogs – Spike and Chloe.
“I don’t even make enough money for all my bills, let alone groceries,” Lungwitz told the AP.
Lungwitz said the Illinois nonprofit arranged for volunteers to give her a grocery gift card last week so she could buy food for herself and her pets.
Kirsten Peek, spokeswoman for Humane World for Animals, estimates that more than 20 million pets live in poverty with their families.
“The increase in surrenders is always a problem when the influx of people hits hard times,” Peek said.
Katie Saari, who is unemployed due to health issues and is trying to secure interviews to receive SNAP benefits, said she needs food for her two dogs.
“They’re more important to me than me, so I want to make sure they’re fed first. They’re my babies,” she added.
Kim Buckman of Feeding Missouri, a coalition of food banks, said she knows many people will feed their pets before they feed themselves.
Paula Shaw, the shelter’s director of access to care, said it’s so common for SNAP recipients to feed their pets their own food.
“People are exceptionally panicked. I don’t know what would be a better word,” she said.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has made it clear he is unlikely to compromise anytime soon with Democrats who are calling for an extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits.
He also called on Republicans to redirect federal money that currently goes to health insurance companies under the Affordable Care Act and send it directly to individuals.
