Community in a Time of Chaos: The SNAP Crisis and Thanksgiving Plans
- Markenzie Johnson
- Nov 6, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 10, 2025
Quoting IG creator @thehallelujahwoman, "They can't put a pause on your SNAP...because your Supernatural Needs are Always Provided!...The government may pause SNAP but they can't put a pause on your praise!"
While that quote was taken from a slightly comedic Instagram video, the message still rings true. We are going through tough times right now, some more than others. Welcome to Day 37 of the now longest government shutdown in U.S. History. The second longest was also under the Trump administration back in December 2018/ January 2019, in case you were wondering. But there's hope! In all of us! I believe the people are the most powerful tool we have against fascism and injustice and coming together in hard times is proof! I'll explain a little later.
You'll start seeing some food from me soon, I promise. But the issue at hand, right now, is food insecurity due to the Federal SNAP program being cut off as of November 1st. We're almost a week into seniors, families with children, and people with disabilities, the demographics that largely make up the recipients of SNAP benefits, unable to access funds to feed themselves. As someone who has needed the support of SNAP benefits while employed as an AmeriCorps VISTA worker in 2019/2020, getting paid 10% above the poverty line of Philadelphia County, I know firsthand what it feels like to need Federal aid to receive healthcare and have access to healthy food.
There are 42 million people in this country who rely on SNAP benefits to feed themselves and/or their families. SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and has been the country's largest anti-hunger program originating from the time of the Great Depression.
Even before November 1st, food banks were seeing a surge of new and returning participants seeking supplemental food. Signs of supply overwhelm due to new levels of demand and long lines of people seeking assistance are becoming more common sights across the country as the shutdown and SNAP benefit cut-off continues. Directors of food banks have reported concern regarding an impending public health crisis and unprecedented food crisis that their organizations are just not equipped to handle alone.
There have been judicial efforts to sustain SNAP benefits. As of last Friday, two Obama-appointed Federal judges ruled that Trump must reinstate Federal SNAP funding; Unfortunately, the timeline for that reinstatement has been unclear and may vary by state.
Here are some stats and updates for states in my vicinity in their responses to the SNAP benefit pause:
Delaware
110,000 residents rely on SNAP benefits
State money is being used to fully fund SNAP benefits during the federal pause
State of Emergency declared
New Jersey
Just experienced a Democratic sweep in the November 4th election, including the governor's seat
800,000 residents rely on SNAP benefits
State of Emergency declared
Work First and Child Care Assistance Program will be unaffected by shutdown
Pennsylvania
Retained 3 Democratic justices in November 4th election despite overwhelming Republican efforts
2 million state residents rely on SNAP benefits; 472,000 people in Philadelphia County alone
PA is experiencing the federal shutdown and a state budget impasse simultaneously, affecting public transit, among other public services
New York
Zoltan Mamdani, a 34-year-old South Asian Muslim Democratic Socialist, was just elected as the new Mayor of New York City. His campaign was a masterclass in listening to the young voices of not only New York City but the nation as a whole, as we scream for change in the faces and platforms of our leadership.
3 million state residents rely on SNAP benefits; 1.8 million SNAP recipients in New York City
Okay, enough facts! What can we DO?
Well, it always starts with COMMUNITY. And from what I've seen, on social media specifically, restaurants, markets, and local food access organizations are stepping up in huge ways. Opening their doors to anyone in need.
One resource I want to share is Sharing Excess, a Philly Food Rescue Nonprofit started by a Drexel grad. They connect free groceries with the people who need them in the form of Pop-Up events all across the city and they have a partner organization that expands their efforts to a nationwide level. There are multiple ways to support the organization on their website and the link to FIND FOOD is here.
Now, Thanksgiving is coming and I have a plan from my little old blog! I'm going to do some of your legwork! I found the stores who are offering Thanksgiving dinner deals. I'm going to start by posting them below. But just getting a raw turkey doesn't help people! That's a huge bird that can be super confusing to make. Let alone making the sides taste homemade! That's where I come in.
I'll be coming back every few days and posting each store's Thanksgiving deal in detail and providing tips and recipes on how to make an ELITE Thanksgiving meal out of what's provided with some pantry staples or items commonly included in a food pantry allotment! I'll even throw in some ideas for what to do with your leftovers! We're going to get Thanksgiving on the table, okay? I got you!
So here are the stores and their Thanksgiving deals:
I'm fully aware that we should be boycotting Target, Walmart, and even Amazon. But FED IS BEST. And if it's between putting food on the table for yourself and your family this holiday season, or in general, or going hungry, then please go shop wherever is most accessible financially and geographically. Food is expensive. At these prices, buy one of these meals for Thanksgiving and freeze an extra turkey for the long haul because who knows what's coming!
Everyone deserves to get the Itis on Thanksgiving. So let's make it happen! See y'all soon!
Sources:
Hartline-Grafton, Heather, and Ellen Vollinger. “New USDA Report Provides Picture of Who Participates in Snap.” Food Research & Action Center, 25 Jan. 2023, frac.org/blog/new-usda-report-provides-picture-of-who-participates-in-snap.
The NPR Network. “When SNAP Benefits Will Arrive Is Still in Flux. Here’s What Communities Are Doing to Fill the Gap.” NPR, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025, www.npr.org/2025/11/04/g-s1-96372/snap-benefits-november-government-shutdown.
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