With the government shutdown freezing SNAP benefits, one might expect mass chaos and people gnawing on decorative gourds at Michaels. Instead, something far more shocking happened: America remembered how to help each other.
Apparently, we don’t really need the federal government to feed millions of Americans. And they shouldn’t be responsible for it to begin with (IMHO).
Without the government handing out SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) cards, you might think everyone would be starving. Instead, local communities are stepping in. Churches have lit up their kitchens and pantries. Diners are quietly covering meals. Bakeries are handing out bread. Neighbors are checking in on one another. Nonprofits are running food drives. Even pets are getting taken care of with people donating kibble to shelters and food pantries.
SNAP was designed as a temporary safety net to ensure no American child goes hungry, delivering targeted nutrition during hard times so families can stand on their own again. Tragically, progressives have twisted it into a permanent wealth-redistribution engine, funneling… pic.twitter.com/9samPHdFPH [1]
— JB and family (@SimmonsBart) November 1, 2025 [2]
One of my favorite local, neighborhood restaurants offering a free meal to SNAP recipients. And this is what community is about 😭 pic.twitter.com/mOUOkAqIs1 [3]
— Beth 🤷🏼♀️ (@Dawn_Beth) November 9, 2025 [4]
Have you been furloughed? SNAP benefits reduced? We’re here to help!
📍 655 N. Mojave Rd. Las Vegas, NV
🐾 Dry dog & cat food available
🦴 Limit of 4 pets per household
🏡 Please leave pets at homeThere’s no judgment & no cost–just compassion ❤️
Info: https://t.co/9g4hZKUVuM [5] pic.twitter.com/4xNVpsRzwJ [6]
— The Animal Foundation (@animalfndlv) November 6, 2025 [7]
It’s almost like (shocker!) society didn’t collapse the moment the federal government stopped paying for everyone’s cereal, ramen noodles, pop, candy, and cookies.
Of course, politicians are horrified. If word gets out that Americans can figure out how to share food without a $700 zillion administrative task force, who knows what happens next? Someone might suggest we don’t need 14 agencies to label a can of beans.
So, while the government continues to be closed, the country is…working. People are feeding each other – not with government SNAP money (our tax money) or grants… but instead, voluntarily with their own time, money and donations. Shh. Don’t tell Washington. They’ll try to tax it.