Millions of Americans are breathing a sigh of relief as the government shutdown has come to an end, but many say they're not celebrating just yet. For those who rely on SNAP benefits to get by, the experience of waiting for payment during the shutdown was excruciating.
Sarah, a 44-year-old single mother in Maryland, said she was down to her last $20 on her EBT card when the government shutdown began, and had to ration her benefits for over a month. Her only hope was that millions of Americans could afford their health insurance, even if it meant sacrificing some personal freedoms.
"We sacrificed and we would continue to sacrifice because we understood what the stakes were," said Delight Worthyn, 67, a SNAP recipient with lupus living in New Haven, Connecticut. "And that they would cave for nothing after we have all gone through this... I only feel betrayed."
Many recipients like Sarah and Worthyn are furious that Democrats squandered their sacrifice to secure access to health care for millions of Americans. Despite making concessions such as reversing Medicaid cuts and extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, Democrats appear to have sacrificed too much in the deal.
Sasha Slansky, a 33-year-old full-time master's student at Queens College, was "insulted" by Democrats' approach to caving to Republicans on the shutdown. "Don't talk about me and my food insecurity to justify kicking people like me off of my health care," she said.
As millions struggle to make ends meet while waiting for their benefits to be processed, many are left wondering if it was all worth it. Natalie, a delivery driver living in Lynnwood, Washington, managed to spend only half of her SNAP benefits for the month, stretching meals that would normally last her two days to three or four.
"It felt like we were making a small sacrifice, skipping [meals], because we felt like we were doing something to help save people, and that we were doing something good for the country... It feels like it wasn't for anything," she said.
The experience has left many feeling frustrated and disappointed. "Why didn’t they keep using that and pushing the narrative?" Natalie asked. "That was a really strong message, and it was one that people were willing to sacrifice for."
As the shutdown comes to an end, millions are left wondering if their voices will be heard. Will Democrats take action to address these concerns, or will they continue to prioritize politics over people? The answer remains to be seen.
Sarah, a 44-year-old single mother in Maryland, said she was down to her last $20 on her EBT card when the government shutdown began, and had to ration her benefits for over a month. Her only hope was that millions of Americans could afford their health insurance, even if it meant sacrificing some personal freedoms.
"We sacrificed and we would continue to sacrifice because we understood what the stakes were," said Delight Worthyn, 67, a SNAP recipient with lupus living in New Haven, Connecticut. "And that they would cave for nothing after we have all gone through this... I only feel betrayed."
Many recipients like Sarah and Worthyn are furious that Democrats squandered their sacrifice to secure access to health care for millions of Americans. Despite making concessions such as reversing Medicaid cuts and extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, Democrats appear to have sacrificed too much in the deal.
Sasha Slansky, a 33-year-old full-time master's student at Queens College, was "insulted" by Democrats' approach to caving to Republicans on the shutdown. "Don't talk about me and my food insecurity to justify kicking people like me off of my health care," she said.
As millions struggle to make ends meet while waiting for their benefits to be processed, many are left wondering if it was all worth it. Natalie, a delivery driver living in Lynnwood, Washington, managed to spend only half of her SNAP benefits for the month, stretching meals that would normally last her two days to three or four.
"It felt like we were making a small sacrifice, skipping [meals], because we felt like we were doing something to help save people, and that we were doing something good for the country... It feels like it wasn't for anything," she said.
The experience has left many feeling frustrated and disappointed. "Why didn’t they keep using that and pushing the narrative?" Natalie asked. "That was a really strong message, and it was one that people were willing to sacrifice for."
As the shutdown comes to an end, millions are left wondering if their voices will be heard. Will Democrats take action to address these concerns, or will they continue to prioritize politics over people? The answer remains to be seen.
I feel so frustrated for ppl who had to go thru that struggle during the shutdown... all those ppl sacrificing cuz they knew it was 4 a bigger cause, but it feels like it wasn't even recognized 
. I think Democrats should've found a way 2 make sure their sacrifice wouldn't be in vain 
. Now ppl are left wondering if all that went 2 waste 
. It's not just about the shutdown tho, it's about the message they wanted 2 send... did they really think skipping meals was a strong enough message? 
. I mean, the government shutdown was a total setup from the get-go. It's like they wanted us all to suffer while they figured out some new way to control our lives. Those Democrats were playing with fire, man... sacrificing SNAP recipients' benefits for a few extra points in the polls? No thanks! 
And now they're saying it was worth it because they got their healthcare thingy done? Give me a break! 
The real question is, what's the real motive behind all this? Are we just pawns in some massive game of cat and mouse? 
I can imagine how tough it must've been for those relying on SNAP benefits during the shutdown 
And yeah, it's crazy how some ppl are still furious about it 
It feels like they're trying 2 make a point, but their voice got lost in the noise 
. Can we please get some real change soon? 
. I'm so tired of watching politicians play games with people's lives. We need real solutions, not just empty promises. And another thing, why do they keep throwing us against the wall only to make us scapegoats for their failures? It's time for some real leadership and accountability. 
. I mean, who wants to go without food or medicine for a month? 
But at the same time, I feel like Democrats could've negotiated a better deal... and maybe they should've prioritized people over politics 
!
it's all about priorities, is the government more concerned with saving face or helping those in need? 
millions of ppl had to sacrifice somethin just cuz of politics 
it's not fair at all 
ppl r literally sacrificing everything 4 their health & food, n dey get stuck w/ nothin 
it's all about politics now, not about people's lives 
I think Democrats shd really b held accountable 4 dis. They knew ppl were struggling, but instead of keeping their promises, dey chose 2 prioritize other stuff 
, but somehow politicians can't even agree on how to help their own citizens... it's like they forgot what's most important - people over politics 
. anyway, gotta give credit to these SNAP recipients who kept calm and carried on despite the struggles... they're real heroes in my eyes 
. can we learn from their resilience and advocacy? maybe it's time for us to start making our voices heard too!