Upstate Tea - Oh SNAP

Kathryn sits down with United Way of the Piedmont CEO Paige Stephenson to unpack the ripple effects of South Carolina’s sudden SNAP benefit cuts. Paige breaks down how the loss of $9.4 million in monthly assistance is impacting families, local farmers, food banks, and the broader Upstate economy. Together, they explore the real-time surge in requests for rent, utilities, and food support—and why philanthropy alone can’t fill a $100 million statewide gap. This conversation offers a grounded look at ALICE households, the escalating needs nonprofits are facing, and how residents can meaningfully support relief efforts while pushing for structural solutions. A must-listen for anyone who cares about food security, working families, and the safety net holding our communities together.