SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a food stamp program that was heavily threatened during this past government shutdown. Approximately 42 million Americans rely on SNAP for food throughout the year. This program was placed in jeopardy after the Republican led Senate was unable to pass a spending bill. 

President Donald Trump had said that SNAP would be suspended if it did not reopen by Nov. 1. The government reopened on Nov. 13, and SNAP received funding after the government reopened and a spending provision was passed. During the days when SNAP benefits were suspended, many Americans faced challenges such as food insecurity. Additionally, many other social safety net programs were shuttered during the shutdown. 

After the government shutdown ended and the spending provisions were passed through the House and the Senate, funding resumed for these programs. However, these programs came with many strings attached; for example, there are more requirements, such as a work requirement. Additionally, the Trump administration restricted certain benefits to asylum seekers and other displaced persons residing in the United States. Additionally, the age of claimable dependents for SNAP benefits was lowered from 18 to 14, citing the ability for kids in that age bracket to have to work to qualify for benefits. The work requirement for those with no dependents has risen from 54 to 64. 

Snap is also being taken away from those who helped the DOD (Department of Defense) oversee as translators during GWOT, or global war on terror, or others labeled by the DOJ or the Department of Justice as victims of international human trafficking. All of these cuts will cut about 90,000 people from SNAP benefits who are asylum seekers and cut about 3 million people total from the program.