Breaking down SNAP: The myths, the facts, and how to actually help
More than 40 million Americans — including kids, seniors, and working families — depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. And right now, they're facing a crisis that feels impossibly heavy.
As of recording this episode, SNAP benefits have been paused since the beginning of the month.
Food insecurity touches every community, and we believe food is a basic human right. So we're breaking down the myths, sharing the facts, and showing you concrete ways to help — whether you need support or you're in a position to give it.
📍 Episode highlights
[0:30] What SNAP is and why this moment matters historically
[2:00] The myths about SNAP that are causing real harm
[5:00] Cassidy’s personal experience on food stamps in college
[6:15] The stigma around SNAP and why it's so damaging
[8:00] Resources if you're experiencing food insecurity right now
[10:00] How to donate and volunteer in your community
[15:00] Using your platform to spread awareness
SNAP myths that need busting
There are a lot of wrong assumptions when it comes to SNAP. So let’s start by getting things straight.
❌ SNAP recipients don't work. 28% of SNAP households have earned income. 55% of households with kids have at least one working adult.
❌ People just buy junk with SNAP. Most purchases are staples — milk, bread, eggs. And honestly? Everyone deserves a frozen pizza sometimes. Plus, many people on SNAP live in food deserts with limited access to fresh produce.
❌ SNAP is full of fraud. Fraud rates are under 1%. What gets labeled as "abuse" is just people making impossible trade-offs — medicine or food? Rent or groceries?
❌ SNAP drains taxpayer money. Every dollar spent generates $1.54 in GDP and supports over 13,000 jobs. It's one of our most effective programs.
❌ This has happened before. This is the first time since the program's creation that benefits have been paused during a government shutdown. It’s unprecedented.
Okay, now on to ways to help and get help.
If you're experiencing food insecurity right now
Start here:
Call 211, visit 221.org, or go to feedingamerica.org to find local food banks and meal programs
Link your EBT card to DoorDash for free grocery delivery
Check out Gopuff for $50 in free groceries this month
Search for local restaurants offering free meals (check their social media!)
Join a Buy Nothing or Free Little Pantry group on Facebook
You're not alone, and help is out there.
How to help if you're able
Start close to home:
The most impactful help happens right where you are. Check on your neighbors. Invite someone over for dinner. Drop off a homemade loaf of bread. Send a grocery store gift card. These small gestures matter so much more than you might think.
Cassidy recently started a community pantry in her apartment complex — it only took a few hours to set up, and people are already taking what they need and leaving what they can.
Donate to local food banks:
Call 211 or visit feedingamerica.org to find organizations in your area. Ask them what they actually need — some need cash more than food (a dollar can become three meals at wholesale prices), while others need volunteers or specific donations.
Stock your local food bank with:
Canned protein (tuna, chicken, peanut butter)
Shelf-stable meals (mac and cheese, ramen, granola bars)
Personal care items (menstrual products, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, diapers, pet food)
Don't just think about food — think about what else people desperately need.
Volunteer in creative ways:
You don't have to physically sort donations. Food banks need help with social media, marketing, delivery coordination, and research. What skills do you have? Ask how you can use them. A friend of Cassidy’s created social media posts and resource guides for a local food pantry — exactly what they needed most.
Use your platform:
Share food bank posts. Tag local businesses doing fundraisers. Send this episode to people in your life. Contact your representatives about funding SNAP. You don't need a huge audience to make a difference.
TL;DR
Food insecurity is real and it's happening now. This is the first time SNAP has been paused (yes, it’s continued through previous government shutdowns).
The myths about SNAP are hurting people. Most recipients work. Most buy staples. Fraud is under 1%. SNAP actually generates money.
Stigma is the real problem. People shouldn't feel ashamed for using a program they qualify for and desperately need.
You can help. Check on neighbors, donate to food banks, volunteer your skills, or spread awareness. Start close to home — your community needs you.
If you need help, it’s out there. Call 211. Visit feedingamerica.org. Join community groups. You're not alone.
We're all part of this somehow — whether you're the one reaching out for help or the one able to give it. Small actions ripple out in ways we don't always see, and they genuinely make a difference.
So call 211. Donate time, money, or food. Share this episode. Check on your neighbor. We’re all in this together. 💛
P.S. — If you found this helpful, share it with someone who needs to hear it. This conversation matters.
