Despite the Democratic gains in the recent elections, President Donald Trump still seems to misunderstand a crucial reason behind the outcome: the widespread hunger caused by the government shutdown.
The shutdown led to an unnecessary and harsh blockade that forced mass hunger, a situation unique to this event. This issue gained attention through social media movements, reports of long lines at food banks nationwide, state emergency declarations, and even mentions by public figures like Jimmy Kimmel.
The shutdown caused a halt in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. Managed by the Department of Agriculture, SNAP supports 42 million Americans monthly by providing funds for groceries and nutritious meals to lower-income families.
Using a state-based debit card system called electronic benefit transfer (EBT), SNAP is the country's largest anti-hunger initiative. It has an almost $100 billion yearly effect that reduces food insecurity, boosts participants’ physical and mental health, and benefits both local economies and large retailers.
"The unnecessary, cruelly forced mass hunger unique to this particular shutdown" is a main reason Americans hold the administration accountable for the negative outcomes.
The shutdown’s severe disruption of SNAP played a major role in shaping voters’ dissatisfaction, a factor the President has yet to fully recognize.
Author’s Summary: The refusal to prevent the shutdown-induced hunger crisis undercut the administration’s standing, highlighting a critical but overlooked cause behind the election results.
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