A viral video featuring an African American woman expressing her desperation after her food stamp benefits were slashed from $738 to just $85 is sparking widespread conversation online about poverty, food insecurity, and social welfare policy in the United States.
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She describes how the change has left her unable to afford groceries for herself and her family and adds, in a solemn voice, that viewers shouldn’t judge her “if they see [her] stealing food.”
What Would You Do If You Were Hungry?
The woman did not receive prior notice of the reduction, leaving her blindsided and emotionally distraught.
“I don’t know how I’m supposed to make it,” she says in the video. “I’m not saying this for pity. I’m saying this because it’s real. What would you do if you were hungry?”
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Others, however, responded with criticism, suggesting she should seek employment rather than rely on government assistance.
Policy Changes Behind the Cut
The video’s release comes amid ongoing debate about Trump-era policy changes that made SNAP eligibility requirements stricter, especially for able-bodied adults without dependents.
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Food insecurity advocates warn that these policy shifts disproportionately impact low-income families and communities of color, who already face structural barriers to employment, healthcare, and housing.
The Human Cost of Food Insecurity
Advocates say the woman’s story is emblematic of the broader crisis affecting Americans who live paycheck to paycheck or rely on safety nets to feed their families. As food prices remain high, sudden reductions in support can have devastating effects.
* Original Article:
Viral Video Shows Woman Warning She Might Steal After SNAP Benefits Slashed From $738 to $85