Why SNAP Won’t Solve the Problem

While SNAP is a great program, is it really solving the problem, or just providing a band-aid on a deep wound? We cannot solve food insecurity with a snap (pun not intended) of our fingers, but it is interesting to think and research how the government approaches fixing it.

The SNAP program, short for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, allows for families, based on their income and size, to gain credit from the government to help buy food every month. But, is that really enough? Most families go through their allotted amounts at least a week before they get more, leading them to turn to food pantries. 

In Massachusetts, SNAP helps 1 in 8 families to buy food, but the average benefit per person is only about $131 a month, which is less than $1.40 a meal. $1.40 can barely buy a meal, let alone a healthy one.

Currently, a half pound of strawberries can cost between $1 and $4 depending on the season! 

Since fresh produce is usually much more expensive, food insecurity leads many families to buy unhealthier options because they are cheaper and provide fast calories. An article from National Geographic’s, The Changing Face of Hunger, states that given the dramatic increase in cheap, fast, and processed foods, when the hungry have money to eat, they often go for what’s convenient, just as better-off families do.

To get healthy produce is expensive, even more so if one wants to follow their beliefs of buying organic, vegan, cruelty free, non-GMO, etc. Because of this, most of the people using SNAP don’t have a choice in the quality of food they buy.

The Newton Food Pantry prides itself in being able to give their customers high quality produce, locally grown fruits and vegetables, a choice of proteins, and a huge variety of culturally-relevant foods. The Newton Food Pantry also offers toiletries, personal care products, and household products such as toilet paper, diapers, and much more. Our pantry offers a wide selection of products and our many volunteers speak a variety of different languages, letting us connect better with clients. 

But, many of those in need of food pantry help are working multiple jobs, and can’t come during typical operating hours. A new study done by The Greater Boston Food Bank showed that only 1 in 3 food insecure adults actually use food pantries!

That’s why the Newton Food Pantry expanded hours until 7pm, and in 2021 started the Newton Community freedge, a free, 24/7 refrigerator and pantry open to anyone experiencing food insecurity. 

This allows for people to shop when they have the time, on their own schedule and with complete anonymity. Plus, the freedge is not limited to Newton residents. The Newton Food Pantry partners with local businesses that deliver free meals ranging from lasagna, to soup, and much more. The feedge is usually empty within an hour or less of being restocked. Luckily, there are always people from the community dropping off food. We also partner with local organizations who have teams of volunteers to help keep it clean and stocked.

The SNAP program has been consistently defunded which means less money for those in need. With the small amount families receive, they have little options as to the quality of food they eat. While SNAP is a step in the right direction, it is not a long-term solution.

For the latest Newton Food Pantry news and announcements, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.