SUMMARY
SNAP enrollment has fallen sharply nationwide since the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act last summer. More than 3.5 million people have lost access to the food assistance, as states implement new eligibility requirements and stricter application processes. William Brangham reports on what’s happening and speaks with Harvard professor of public health policy Sara Naomi Bleich for more.
View the transcript of the story.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
News alternative: Check our recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who is mentioned in the video defending the reduction of SNAP benefits?
- What is SNAP? What is the estimated number of people nationwide who have lost access to SNAP benefits?
- When was H.R. 1 passed into law?
- Where in the United States has SNAP enrollment declined the most dramatically?
- Why are many eligible individuals discouraged from reapplying for SNAP benefits?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- Do you agree with Arizona's approach to how it's handling new challenges under SNAP? Explain.
- In the video, Sara Naomi Bleich describes the obstacles imposed by the government as “not consistent with the mission of SNAP.” Do you agree or disagree?
Media literacy: Notice how the video featured two individuals with opposing viewpoints. How did the inclusion of an opposing viewpoint affect your understanding of the issue? Did it make you more receptive to considering other ideas?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Take some time to take a closer look at what SNAP access looked like in your state before the passage of H.R. 1. Use this fact sheet published by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities to select your state and learn more. How many people benefited from SNAP? What was the average monthly benefit received? Which demographic groups were most likely to participate in the program?
Credit: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Next, read this report by the Food Action and Research Center on how states may be affected by recent SNAP changes. What trends, projections or scenarios stand out to you? How do you feel after learning about the potential impacts on different communities?
If you feel strongly about this topic, civic engagement is one way to make your voice heard. Students can contact their Congressional and state representatives to ask questions, share their views or learn more about how elected officials are approaching SNAP policy. Use this site to look for your representatives and senators.
Written by Jackalyn Karamanougian, PBS News Hour Classroom's intern, and News Hour's Victoria Pasquantonio
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