In the height of the 2025 SNAP shutdown crisis — in which SNAP payments were delayed for the first time in 60+ years of the program — Wholesome Wave Georgia spoke with many people struggling to find food, all with different backgrounds and challenges.
The truth is, there is no “face of SNAP.”
There are just folks who were dealt a difficult hand in life, who fell on hard times, or face a temporary uphill climb.
Meet some of our Neighbors who rely on the SNAP program to feed themselves and their families.
👶 Rebekah lives in Hapeville with her infant and works four part-time jobs. When her cost of living increased, Rebekah applied for SNAP.
Rebekah was worried when she found out her benefits were delayed. “I think we’ll be able to figure out a way to scrape by, but our budget is already so tight.”
👩🌾 Julia is a farmer raising a toddler in Jefferson. They receive SNAP benefits and Julia also sells produce to SNAP recipients through WWG Fresh for Less. She’s experiencing anxiety about her own benefits, but also from her customers who are scared and confused about where their next meal will come from.
Julia was concerned about feeding her family and sustaining her business. “As a farmer who relies on business from SNAP recipients, it will negatively affect our sales at a ‘leaner’ time of year when we need every dollar of cash flow.”
👵 Patricia is over 70 years old and lives in Atlanta with her husband. With her husband’s health issues, it’s become impossible to work to bring in extra revenue.
They are entirely dependent on Social Security payments and SNAP for their income. Patricia was somewhat lucky — her EBT card was stolen and she needed a new one. When it arrived on Nov 1, it was preloaded with $300 that saw her through the next two weeks of the government shutdown.
The thought of holidays without Patricia’s favorites left her feeling down. “With Thanksgiving coming, not being able to get a turkey, plus other essentials, makes it hard on us.”
❤️ Johnny is from Columbus and recently had a heart transplant. He is unable to work while he recovers and needs healthy food to help him get back on his feet. He uses WWG’s Fresh for Less program to double his SNAP benefits for fresh, healthy, locally grown produce.
“Without SNAP, we would not eat as healthy a diet! Neither myself nor my wife are capable of working anymore so SNAP benefits have become an integral part of our budget as we have a limited and fixed income.”
🚸 Crissy is raising her grandchildren and was scared about the the government shutdown. With limited support from the local food bank or preschools, they are running out of options — especially with Headstart closing as well.
“We don’t really know what we are going to be eating. The food bank here is only open every other week, if they have something. With the shutdown, Headstart is also closed so our three year old isn’t in school. She was getting food and diapers there.”
👨🎓 Jordan is a college student in Atlanta with disabilities. His autoimmune disorders make it too painful to work and complete his education.
“I don’t have any money to feed myself. I’m a disabled student in college. I can’t afford to be on the meal plan until my medication is approved thru Medicaid. Hoping local food banks will sustain me until the shutdown ends.”
👩🍼 Tina lives in Columbus and often has to make difficult choices between paying her car bill, light bill, and buying food. Often times, she simply goes to bed hungry because she only has enough food for her children.
“It’s been harder to afford healthy meals without the SNAP benefits. Not having real food security is a scary thing. There have been times where I’ve had to let my kids eat and just have a spoonful of peanut butter and go to bed hungry.”
🏃 Genesis relied on SNAP after escaping an abusive relationship. She had no job, no support, but SNAP benefits helped her feed her infant daughter while she got back on her feet. Now, she no longer relies on SNAP, but is extremely grateful the safety net was there when she needed it most.
“We received SNAP during the most difficult times in my life! I left a very abusive relationship where he was the provider financially. I feared for my life and left with my 7 month old daughter at the time. We had no money. SNAP benefits saved my life.”
👬 Jennifer is a single mother with two boys and struggles to get by even with SNAP benefits. Going without them caused severe stress and anxiety, leaving Jennifer furious at the government for leaving her stranded.
“I’m a single mom raising two boys and it’s been hard enough as it is. Trying to get food on my small income without SNAP would be next to impossible. Our lives are not a game. We are real people with real problems.”
👪 Stephanie lives in Cartersville with her husband. While he is able to work, Stephanie hasn’t been able to land a job in over a year. They rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table. During the shutdown, they needed help from family and food banks to get by.
“My husband is refused overtime and we are already struggling enough before this. I’m trying to find work but I need something I can do at home. Been looking for a year and getting nothing.”
Note: some details of these stories may have been changed for privacy reasons.
