How We Responded to Criticism of the SNAP Federal Assistance Program and Next Steps

How Have Folks Criticized the SNAP Federal Assistance Program?

As indicated earlier in our blog ( Days 1 and 2 of SNAP Hunger Awareness Challenge ), we received some questions about the restrictions on food stamp purchases, which we responded to and provided an explanation of the foods that can be purchased with SNAP funds: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailers/eligible.htm

Q: What about those grocery carts with steak and lobster?

However, it appears that folks who see the shopping carts of SNAP participants in the grocery stores (with shrimp, lobster, steaks, candy, etc.) are skeptical about how needy these folks are.  While our experience with the SNAP Challenge has been enlightening for us and is a good way to increase hunger awareness,  we thought we should contact Foodshare CT to comment on those criticisms.

A: Fewer buying options, need for more nutrition education, and need for help with planning and budgeting

Krista Ostaszewski, SNAP Outreach Coordinator for Foodshare, was very helpful in responding to our queries.  Here is what Krista told us:

"When individuals tell me about SNAP clients buying steak, lobster or junk food like soda and chips I usually respond with a few different points…..

• Many families are on such a tight budget that the foods that cost less are the ones that may not be the healthiest. These unhealthy foods are many times the easiest choice, and sometimes the only choice at many of the local corner grocery stores. Remember that many of our cities here in CT have maybe one large grocery store! This means individuals either have to travel to buy grocery items or use their local corner store to purchase what they need.

• Many families are also not aware of how to eat healthy, or prepare healthy meals. There are a few nutrition education programs that target SNAP clients directly to teach them how to eat nutritious foods on a budget. St Josephs College and UConn nutrition education both actively work with SNAP recipients on this work. Foodshare is actively working with both programs to help families in need learn about healthy eating on a tight budget."

We told Krista that it had occurred to us that many struggling families lack the resources to thoughtfully plan meals or to take advantage of competitive pricing.  We then asked her if it was possible that some folks may begin their month with a full SNAP allocation and enjoy the immediate gratification of some "luxury food items" like steak or lobster, but poor planning may result in a lean pantry during the final days of the month and perhaps a trip to the local food shelter?

Krista promptly replied:

• "Like you mentioned . . . , some families very well may use their benefits in the beginning of the month to purchase more luxurious foods. Benefits for SNAP go on a client’s card the first or second day of the month. We hear from our agencies and from our mobiles that the end of the month is always busier because families have exhausted their SNAP allotment."

Our Reflections on the SNAP Hunger Awareness Challenge:


During our week-long exercise, Gary and I reflected that we were able to undertake this challenge because we are recently retired.   It would have been much more difficult with our very demanding jobs to take the time to research and plan meals, as well as to drive to more than one grocery store and make the meals from scratch.  When we were working, with many evening meetings and a "24/7" work schedule, we frequently used "ready-to-eat" food items or dined out.  We were also very aware during the Challenge week of the blessings in our lives and the riches that awaited us in OUR food pantry and freezer once the SNAP Challenge was over.  We know that struggling families live each day in quiet desperation - not knowing what the next day will bring.


Next Steps:


Next steps for us include a continued commitment of both awareness and advocacy for the needs of those who are less fortunate, especially those who experience hunger.  A long-time fan of Harry Chapin, Gary began his anti-hunger efforts during his first year of teaching when he organized a tribute to the recently deceased singer as well as a fast for hunger. A humanitarian and member of the President's Commission on World Hunger, Harry's legacy lives on through The Harry Chapin Foundation - dedicated to supporting "organizations that have demonstrated their ability to dramatically improve the lives and livelihood of people by helping them to become self-sufficient."

We will continue to donate to organizations like our local food banks and Foodshare

We will continue to share our research and recommendations regarding worthwhile organizations and activities, like the following:

CROP Hunger Walk

World Food Day - October 16th

For those of you who are especially interested in using "good, clean, and fair food" through CSA's or local farm stands, there is an interesting blog about "slow foods" (the opposite of "fast foods") sponsored by Slow Food USA  Their most recent blog reports on the White House's participation in both the Slow Food "$5 Challenge" and the "SNAP Challenge": White House participates in Food Challenges

Our next project is Tuesday, October 4th when Gary and I join volunteers from all over the Pioneer Valley in "Rebuilding Together - Springfield"!