The restoration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments followed a government shutdown; however, many Indigenous American communities continue to experience food insecurity.
Impact of SNAP Disruption
During a federal government shutdown, the status of November SNAP benefits for 41 million recipients became uncertain. Mary Lefthand, a SNAP recipient on northwest Montana's Flathead Reservation, transitioned to a tribal commodity food program due to this uncertainty, as she supports three grandchildren. Lefthand relies on food aid for her household's entire grocery budget. Tribal commodity food programs, federally funded, were not affected by the shutdown, unlike SNAP.
Studies indicate that 46% of Indigenous Americans experience food insecurity annually, compared to approximately 10% of the general U.S. population. Furthermore, over 60% of Native individuals reportedly rely on food aid as their primary food source.
Tribal Responses to Food Aid Gaps
When the Trump administration indicated a pause in SNAP payments for November, tribal entities initiated measures to address potential food shortages:
- Increased Commodity Program Enrollment: Nicholas White, manager of the Salish and Kootenai Tribes Commodity Program, reported a significant increase in applications from individuals previously relying on SNAP.
- Emergency Measures and Resource Diversion: The Blackfeet Nation in northwest Montana declared a state of emergency and culled 18 buffalo from its herd to provide food. Other tribes in the West similarly increased bison culls, potentially impacting herd growth efforts.
- Grant Funding Redirection: Tescha Hawley, who operates the Day Eagle Hope Project on the Ft. Belknap Reservation, redirected grant funds originally intended to support local tribal farmers and ranchers. These funds were used to purchase cattle and establish temporary food banks on the reservation, which serves the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre tribes.
- Expanded Tribal-Funded Programs: Many tribes also increased the distribution capacity of their self-funded food aid programs.
Lingering Financial Consequences
Despite SNAP resuming regular payments and receiving a full year of funding post-shutdown, tribes and associated nonprofits will not be reimbursed for the additional financial resources expended. Yadira Rivera, director of Native Agriculture and Food Systems Investment at the First Nations Development Institute, stated that this lack of reimbursement could create future problems, particularly as some tribal food programs anticipate continued strain through the busy holiday season.
The period of uncertainty surrounding SNAP payments may have compelled families to prioritize food over other financial obligations, such as rent or medical expenses. Research indicates a correlation between loss of food assistance and other financial consequences, including evictions or choices between medication and food. Mary Lefthand affirmed that her ability to quickly switch to the tribal commodity program prevented her from falling behind on bills.
Individuals seeking to re-enroll in SNAP after participating in tribal commodity programs face a bureaucratic requirement: they must discontinue participation in the commodity program for at least one month to qualify for SNAP.