Military Families Face Food Insecurity Cliff as SNAP Funding Falters

Thousands of military families are bracing for a potential food insecurity crisis as uncertainty deepens over funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Two federal judges on Friday ordered the Trump administration to tap into billions in emergency funds to partially cover food stamp benefits for more than 42 million Americans in November — but the funds fall short of what’s needed.

President Trump said late Friday he would use the emergency fund but asked the courts for legal direction on how to proceed. The funding gap could leave thousands of service members — especially younger troops and those in the Guard or Reserve — struggling to cover basic living costs.

“We’re hearing in real time stories from families that are incredibly alarming,” said Kara Pappas, chief advancement officer for the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN) and a military spouse. “Families that are already living paycheck to paycheck are now at the breaking point.”

Although the administration secured pay for active-duty and mobilized Guard and Reserve troops, it’s not enough to cover full household costs. Roughly 27% of military spouses are employed by the federal government and could face furloughs, leaving many families with a single income. Others in the Guard or Reserve have reported pay discrepancies, according to Eileen Huck of the National Military Family Association.

“These are people who are mobilized away from their civilian jobs, potentially not getting paid in their Reserve jobs, and have families at home they’re worried about,” Huck said. “It’s been a very stressful time.”

The impact stretches beyond paychecks. Families who rely on base support services may find key civilian employees furloughed. That means even resolving pay errors becomes difficult when finance offices are short-staffed.

Data from the USDA and MFAN show that one in four military households experience food insecurity even under normal conditions. A 2020 Pentagon report found between 880 and 4,620 active-duty members received SNAP benefits, though earlier estimates reached as high as 22,000.

Veterans are also feeling the strain. A 2023 Rand study found more than one million veterans experience food insecurity, but only two-thirds receive assistance through SNAP or similar programs.

Food banks near bases are reporting surging demand. The Armed Services YMCA said it has seen a 30% rise in requests for assistance.

Judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island recently ruled that the USDA’s $5.3 billion emergency fund could be used to support SNAP payments, rejecting claims that it could only cover natural disasters. Still, the money falls short of the $9 billion needed for November.

For many families, the math no longer adds up. “Do I make a car payment, or do I put food on the table?” Pappas said.

MFAN’s emergency grocery support program received 50,000 applications within 72 hours of opening. The nonprofit has already distributed over 5,000 boxes but is running out of funds. “It far outpaced our expectations,” Pappas said. “It’s heartbreaking.” Read the original article here.