Open Letter to Local, State and National Elected Officials

Open Letter to Local, State and National Elected Officials

It is deeply disheartening to hear, particularly in this moment of economic uncertainty, that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are being delayed — for an undisclosed and potentially lengthy period — just when so many families depend on them to put food on the table.

When people who rely on this assistance — whether seniors who worked low wages, families caring for children, veterans, or working people still struggling to keep up — are left without clarity or a plan, the ripple effect is devastating. Grocery stores, households, schools and community food networks all feel the strain when benefits stop or are uncertain.

It is especially hurtful to hear messaging that implicitly or explicitly singles out the Black community as the only (or primary) population affected by food-assistance delays or stigma. The United States is a diverse society. Our federal nutrition assistance system is meant to serve all people in need, regardless of race or ethnicity — yet we know from data that racial and ethnic disparities exist, and these need to be acknowledged honestly, not used as a political talking point or blame device.

Here are some key facts:

In fiscal year 2024, SNAP served an average of approximately 41.7 million participants monthly. 

The share of all U.S. residents receiving SNAP in FY 2024 was about 12.3 %. 

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), Census data show that 42% of SNAP households are headed by a non-Hispanic white person; 25% by a non-Hispanic Black person; 23% by a Hispanic person (of any race); and 4% by a non-Hispanic Asian person. 

The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) reports that from 2019-2023 more than one in five Black, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander households relied on SNAP — families of color are more than twice as likely to participate in SNAP than non-Hispanic white households. 

Breaking out recipients by self-identified race/ethnicity, the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) summarises: White ~37 %, African American ~26 %, Hispanic ~16 %, Asian ~3 %, Native American ~2 % of SNAP participants. 

What these numbers show is that SNAP is used by all racial and ethnic groups, but the burden of food insecurity and the need for assistance falls significantly more on families of color and households headed by historically disadvantaged populations. Delays or failures in benefit delivery thus disproportionately harm those communities.

Beyond race, the spectrum of need is broad:

Seniors who have worked long lives, often in low wage jobs, and receive small Social Security or pension incomes — and perhaps have no safety net — depend on these benefits.

Caregivers of children (whether fostering, orphaned, abandoned, or simply in need of extra support) frequently draw on SNAP to ensure kids have enough to eat.

Many working families (including those working full-time) still qualify for SNAP because wages are low, hours may be unstable, and the cost of living keeps them in need.

The fact that the federal government can appropriate tens of billions of dollars for foreign aid or other major expenditures — while people in the U.S. face delayed or uncertain access to food assistance — raises serious questions about priorities and accountability. If the most basic need — food — is at risk, what does that say about the system?

Some have pushed back when I urge elected officials to respond: they say I should target Congress. Yes — contacting your U.S. Congressperson is essential. But local, county and state elected officials are the ones whose decisions and day-to-day responsiveness directly impact constituents’ immediate lives. We need them to step up now.

On November 1st, realities such as expired benefits, rising costs, and backlogged systems won’t wait. What is the plan? If we cannot expect local and state officials to act now — when their constituents are literally at risk of not eating — then we must hold them accountable.

It is my hope and expectation that:

Elected officials acknowledge the crisis: “We see you. We know your benefits are delayed or uncertain.”

They communicate what tangible steps they are taking (temporary food-assistance extensions, emergency provisions, local food bank support, coordination with federal agencies).

They commit to a plan of action: ensuring that veterans, seniors, families with children, the disabled and working poor will not go without food while bureaucracies sort things out.

The public knows which officials are acting in the interest of the people, and which are not.

I urge every citizen reading this: contact your local and state elected officials today. Share your story. Tell them your situation. Make clear that food access is a fundamental need, not a political afterthought. It cannot be lumped together with a stereotype of “just don’t rely on the government.” Because in this system, generations of Americans paid their taxes, worked their jobs, supported neighbours, yet still find themselves reliant on the safety net.

This is not about shame or blame. It’s about accountability and resources. The writing has been on the wall, and reality is walking toward us. The question remains: Who will step up?

Respectfully,

Angela K. Chambers 

October 22, 2025