During the longest government shutdown in US history, EBT benefits were put into limbo for millions of Americans.
According to MASSLIVE.com, 17.4% of the Leominster population receives SNAP benefits. As of 2024, that’s 7,695 people.
Though the government shutdown has been over for some time, the anxiety over food insecurity isn’t over for many Americans.
The Republican megabill known as “The Big Beautiful Bill” aims to make changes to eligibility requirements and to the benefits themselves.
According to AOL.com, 12 states –namely red states– have already amended what SNAP receivers can and can’t buy with their benefits.
Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia all have new restrictions rolling in in 2026. These new rules would ban the purchase of soft drinks and candy with SNAP.
“Poor people deserve nice things too,” said LHS senior Angelina Ardinger. “Where does it end when you start policing what people can buy?”
According to The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, SNAP benefited 1 in 6 Massachusetts residents in the 2024 fiscal year. More than 50% of those households are families with children, and 48% are families with older or disabled people in their care. These families are struggling, and having their benefits cut would be devastating.
In trying times like these, it is important to give what you can to your local food banks to support families in need, especially around the holidays.
Recently, Leominster High School held a canned food drive, donating thousands of cans, as well as money, to Ruth’s Food Pantry. If you would like to donate to families in need, Ginny’s Helping Hand, located at 52 Mechanic Street, is a good local option.
