Why the SNAP food crisis isn’t over yet

What this episode covers

SNAP benefits are back, but the federal government is hinting at changes to the food-assistance program. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has called for the almost 42 million people who receive SNAP to reapply and has threatened to yank funding from Democratic-led states.  Meanwhile, some food banks and food pantries are experiencing an increase in demand even after the government reopened in mid-November. Now, they’re bracing themselves.  In Episode 6, we’re heading over to Arnold, Missouri to chat with Patrick McKelvey. He’s the executive director of Gateway Food Pantry. Now, with upcoming SNAP work requirement changes because of the One Big Beautiful Bill, they’re worried the need will only increase. And they anticipate other changes too. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has threatened to make additional bureaucratic changes to the federal food-assistance program. Jacob Fischler, States Newsroom’s D.C. Deputy Bureau Chief will help us understand what’s happening. Finally, Evening Wrap newsletter author Danielle Gaines shares the top stories she’s watching. Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States composed by David Singer.  Relevant reading from States Newsroom outlets and partners:  Pennsylvania makes joint demand for SNAP data safeguards with D.C., 20 other states (Pennsylvania Capital-Star) Feds drop appeal in SNAP shutdown case as lawsuit continues in Rhode Island (Rhode Island Current) Trump administration threatens to yank food stamps funding from Democratic-led states (States Newsroom D.C. Bureau) Oregon co-leads suit against USDA over cuts to food assistance for refugees, asylum seekers (Oregon Capital Chronicle)  Missouri set to block junk food from SNAP purchases after USDA approval (Missouri Independent)  Click here for the full transcript. Got questions? An episode idea? Email us at [email protected] Photo: The Gateway Food Pantry in Arnold, Missouri is still seeing an increased demand of need in their community, even after the government reopened in mid-November. (Photo courtesy of Patrick McKelvey)