Removing the Stigma from SNAP

Food assistance programs, particularly SNAP (or as many still call, it food stamps), are a lifeline for millions of Americans. However, despite its essential role in protecting the health of a large portion of the population, the program often finds itself in a sea of misconceptions and unearned stigma.

Since 2013, increases in SNAP usage are reaching beyond urban centers and into affluent suburbs. Economic downturns (like the Great Recession or the Covid-19 pandemic) it turns out, don't discriminate. However, while SNAP's demographics might be diversifying, old perceptions harder to shake off, and although this conversation is not a new one (as evidenced by articles from ten years ago) it remains a pervasive issue that beneficiaries must endure. 

As recently as 2019, many recipients of SNAP benefits reported feeling marginalized and devalued by society, and facing assumptions that they are lazy, dependent, or taking advantage of the system. This stigmatization often manifests in public settings, like grocery stores, or even through interactions with officials administering the program. These negative interactions often lead to feelings of shame and humiliation among participants.

SNAP benefit amounts have been increased by historic amounts over the last few years. 

Creator: John Moore | Credit: Getty Images | Copyright: 2013 Getty Images

These negative feelings matter, and subtle shifts in framing can make significant differences. For example, by tweaking how rental assistance (a similarly stigmatized benefit) was described, interest in the program rose by 36%. It’s only about rebranding. It is also about addressing deeply entrenched stereotypes. The challenge here is very real: break past the societal norms that brand beneficiaries as "lazy" or "undeserving", presenting these programs as the essential lifelines they truly are. Even the term "food stamps" carries baggage. Although the program's official name changed to SNAP over a decade ago in an effort to shed its negative connotations, the older term is still used in discourse, a testament to the ingrained thought surrounding it.

Economic disparities are becoming increasingly pervasive and the conversation surrounding SNAP and similar programs needs a radical shift. Rather than seeing them through the lens of outdated prejudices, it's crucial to view these programs as reflections of our society's commitment to its most vulnerable members, a population that continues to grow year after year. The essence of SNAP isn't about handouts but about extending a helping-hand during tough times. As the demographics of beneficiaries expand, it's time the narrative finally evolves too, moving from judgment to understanding, and from stereotypes to solidarity.

Mutual Aid in Portland, OR

This week, I wanted to highlight one of the various mutual aid groups in Portland, Oregon. For those that may not be familiar with the term, mutual aid is a cooperative exchange of resources and services of which the benefits can be shared by many and all. It’s about people giving what they can and getting what they need.  Mutual aid is often used to provide people with food, shelter, supplies, medical care, and other forms of relief in times of catastrophe. Of course, mutual aid isn’t limited to moments of disaster, in fact, there are many mutual aid groups operating in our city that provide an outlet for people to give and get help at any time. 

Such as Portland Free Fridge, a volunteer community member-run mutual aid effort that provides access to free food and supplies through independently managed fridges, freezers, and pantries all over Portland. 

 (PDX Free Fridge)

Community members are encouraged to as their motto states, “take what you need, leave what you don’t, give what you can.”  One can find various types of food, hygiene products, and pet foods at any given free fridge site, and their website provides people with a map of current locations. Community members also use their Instagram page to communicate updates about locations and when new supplies or food are available. 

Fridge and pantry located at 3932 SE Woodstock (PDX Free Fridge)

For those who would like to start a fridge, there is a guide with useful information and tools to achieve this on their website. The purpose of this project is to share abundance by redistributing resources and minimizing unnecessary waste. 

(PDX Free Fridge)

If you would like to learn more about PDX Free Fridge, make a donation, or find some free food and supplies check out their website and give them a follow on Instagram @pdxfreefridge! 

The Importance of Community and Mentorship

 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201212/our-hierarchy-needs

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs argues that an individual cannot begin to prioritize their social needs before feeling secure in their ability to procure the basics of survival. Without base of sustenance, shelter, and safety, it is not impossible but very difficult to to work on fully making the connections that humans need in order to maintain their mental health. Furthermore, these relationships are incredibly important to the development of young people both to aid their brains in socially maturing as well to model healthy relationships in the future. However, if an individual—or family unit—is preoccupied with taking care of their physiological and safety needs, then they may have less energy to put towards taking part in a community. This can take a toll on long-term mental health. 

This demonstrates the importance of programs that emphasize in community building and establishing meaningful relationships among houseless youth. Providing an area where there is access to resources such as food and hygienic products(addressing the first tier of the hierarchy) coupled with an understanding team and opportunity to interact with their peers(second and third tier) is a crucial combination in creating a ‘safe space’. 

One of these programs offered in Portland, Oregon is Friends of the Children. Full time employed staff, known as “friends” are assigned to individual children and meet with them on a regular basis to aid in their education as well as establishing a mentor connection with them. As long as the youth is enrolled in the program, they are guaranteed their “friend” for 12.5 years (the duration of the K-12 education track). They have a fantastic success rate and have been established for around 25 years. Programs such as Friends of the Children are a great example of acknowledging the importance of basic needs when also working on community building.

Learn more about Friends of the Children

More PDX youth programs and shelters

Food Security

In a world of 7.7 billion people where we are still reaping the benefits of the Green Revolution and industrial farming, food security is still a hot topic. This is a luxury some of us enjoy, while others struggle. 42.2 million Americans are food insecure, 13.1 million are children. A few major causes of food insecurity in America are unemployment, high housing costs, low wages, lack of access to SNAP (food stamps), medical/health costs, and domestic violence. There are a million different reasons to end up food insecure or homeless but the important thing is that everyone needs to eat. One difficulty many homeless and others face is getting enough food each day. Luckily in Portland there are some resources. Most shelters offer food services. The Portland Rescue Mission serves breakfast at 7am and dinner at 6 pm 365 days a year. The Transitions Project also serves daily meals at all its shelters. Portland State University also has a Food Pantry Resource and Harvest Share. Most of these shelters also offer beds, bathrooms, showers, clothing, transition programs as well. 

If you’d like to find more information, donate, or volunteer check out these links:

Oregon Food Bank: https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/get-involved/volunteer/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6bCM2pLw5wIVjNlkCh0WfQHFEAAYASAAEgIeavD_BwE

Portland Rescue Mission: https://www.portlandrescuemission.org/homeless-services/food-shelter-services/

Transitions Projects: https://www.tprojects.org/shelters/

Join: https://joinpdx.org/about/

Written by: Emily Sanders

Works Cited:

1. Unknown Author. “7 Facts About Hunger and Homelessness You Should Know.” Mercy Housing, 23 Jan. 2019, www.mercyhousing.org/2016/11/7-facts-about-hunger-and-homelessness-you-should-know/.

2. Unknown Author. “Hunger and Food Security.” National Coalition for the Homeless, Nov. 2011, www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/hunger.html.