Terrified moms speak out, say their kids face starvation as SNAP benefits expire: ‘We have nothing’

Kelli Austin is just one of the 42 million Americans being stripped of their grocery budget benefits — financial support provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — on Saturday, Nov. 1. The loss of her $300 monthly stipend means Austin, who has three teens aged between 13 and 17 — who are often teased for receiving free breakfast and lunch at school — won’t be able to put food on the table during weekends and school vacations. “We’re not talking about luxury here,” Austin insisted. “We’re talking about basic meals, stability and dignity.”  

Lauren, 35, a single mom of two girls and a SNAP recipient, from Syracuse, agrees. She’s relied on SNAP benefits — with which she buys her kids eggs, bacon, cereal, fruits, juice, and mini croissants as a special treat — since March. Learn more about what this means for their families.