UNA-BC's Response to the cut of SNAP benefits
The United Nations is committed to reducing poverty (SDG 1), achieving zero hunger worldwide (SDG 2), promoting good health and well-being (SDG 3), reducing inequalities (SDG 10), and fostering decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).
When we consider the consequences of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) being gradually defunded amid the government shutdown, the connection between these global goals and the importance of sustaining such programs becomes clear. The UN’s values align closely with the need to prevent the harmful impacts that reduced funding for SNAP program could have on vulnerable populations and community well-being.
During this challenging time in America, it is crucial that we come together and use our creativity to address issues such as food insecurity, housing instability, and financial hardship. This blog post highlights a “how-to” toolkit for engaging in mutual aid and food sharing amid cuts to SNAP and WIC.
SNAP cuts will affect roughly 600,000 Coloradans, “in a press release Friday, Gov. Jared Polis said Colorado is exploring ways to backstop the anticipated losses”. The state of Colorado has noted that half of its SNAP recipients are children, 10% are elderly, and 15% are disabled. (CPR, 2025).
On a larger scale, the potential loss of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which supports approximately 42 million people, about one in eight Americans (CNN, 2025). For those who rely on SNAP or the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program to supplement or fully cover their grocery costs, communities can play an essential role by finding innovative ways to provide support and bridge the gap during this period of uncertainty.
We acknowledge that uncertainty like this can cause feelings of hopelessness.
We have gathered creative solutions that anyone can participate in to help lessen the burden and bring communities together.
Ways to Get Creative Around the Loss of SNAP Benefits!
If you are feeling called to help your neighbors, friends, family, or your community at large, here is a “how-to” toolkit for engaging in mutual aid and food sharing!
This toolkit is designed to help individuals and communities strengthen local food systems, uphold dignity, and ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food. These values align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By working together, communities can promote resilience, equity, and shared well-being during times of economic uncertainty and/or reduced public assistance.
Community-Based Actions
Direct Support: Offer food, grocery gift cards, or financial assistance directly to individuals and families in your community who may be affected.
Community Outreach: If you don’t personally know who might need help, connect through local organizations, community centers, or faith groups and churches that already serve vulnerable populations.
Support Local Food Pantries: Donate food, funds, or your time. Food banks often need volunteers as much as they need supplies. Food banks will be hit the hardest. Donate as much time, money, and your own pantry goods to your local food bank.
Free Pantries & Community Fridges: Contribute non-perishable items to “Free Little Pantries” or community refrigerators in your area. Non-perishables can even go in "Free Little Libraries".
Host Shared Meals: Organize a community meal night, soup kitchen, or open dinner at a park, community center, or place of faith.
Support Children and Families: Prepare breakfast bags or sack lunches for local children (in collaboration with schools or parent groups). If you have kids, you can start packing multiple lunches so they can share snacks with friends.
Assist Older Adults: Volunteer with programs like Meals on Wheels that serve homebound seniors. If you know any elderly people personally, you can start a meal drive or meal plan.
Transportation Support: Offer rides to food banks or organize a local carpool for community members who lack reliable transportation.
Community Pop-Ups: Partner with local organizations to host pop-up events where residents can access food, hygiene products, and other essentials.
Good Practice Notes:
When you are providing support, prioritize dignity, consent, and privacy. Avoid taking photos or sharing identifying information of recipients. Communicate availability clearly so individuals can plan. Whenever possible, ask people what they need most rather than assuming.
Civic Engagement and Advocacy
Food security is both a community and a policy issue. Individuals and organizations can advocate for equitable access to food and nutrition support at the local, state, and national levels.
Engage in Dialogue: Attend town halls, city council meetings, or public forums to share stories and express the importance of food security programs like SNAP and WIC. Your voice is your power!
Collaborate with Local Leaders: Partner with local officials, advocacy organizations, and nonprofits to identify sustainable solutions to hunger. As we enter the legislative season, this is the time to let your local representatives know how you feel!
Support Public Awareness Campaigns: Use social media and community events to raise awareness of food insecurity and its impact on public health.
Promote Service-Oriented Action: Combine community advocacy with acts of service, such as organizing “Day of Service” events that include meal distribution or donation drives.
Encourage Partnerships: Strengthen collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and community groups to ensure no one is left behind — in line with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Note: Advocacy should remain respectful, lawful, and inclusive, focused on promoting shared values of human dignity, fairness, and access to basic needs.
Guiding Principle
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”
— Mother Teresa
