Administration, Not Shutdown, To Blame For SNAP Suspension

To the Editor:
This week’s Herald referred to the government shutdown as the cause of SNAP suspension. However, there is missing context to this statement. Since the establishment of what is now called “SNAP” by the Food Act of 1964, there have been more than ten government shutdowns. During none of them did the USDA, the agency responsible for SNAP payments, freeze those payments. The withdrawal of USDA payments to individuals and food banks is not the inevitable result of a government shutdown. The decision to withhold food from poor people is specific to this administration, which has directed the USDA to do so.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Abigail Meisel
Water Valley