Ben Chrisinger
@bchrisinger.bsky.social
Assistant Professor in Community Health at Tufts, formerly faculty @ DSPI Oxford. I study place and health, especially food and welfare. #SNAPmatters
https://facultyprofiles.tufts.edu/benjamin-chrisinger
https://facultyprofiles.tufts.edu/benjamin-chrisinger
Pinned
Ben Chrisinger
@bchrisinger.bsky.social
· Sep 10
Keeping SNAP in Line with Global Evidence on Food Security | NEJM
Proposals to introduce nutrition-based restrictions in SNAP ignore a global movement
away from this kind of welfare program administration and toward systems that can
more effectively improve health.
www.nejm.org
#SNAP is already globally unusual as an antipoverty program. Cash-like, just for non-prepared foods, at approved retailers.
Evidence from cash transfer programs suggests there are easier ways to protect #foodsecurity.
🛟 🩺📊 🩺 #econsky #academicsky
Evidence from cash transfer programs suggests there are easier ways to protect #foodsecurity.
🛟 🩺📊 🩺 #econsky #academicsky
“Undoing” SNAP payments is next to impossible (and obviously cruel).
This is such a far cry from “government efficiency”… the recalculations, the updates, the rescheduling, the court proceedings. Extra costs for all of that.
And for a program that worked remarkably well, until this month.
🥗 🛟
This is such a far cry from “government efficiency”… the recalculations, the updates, the rescheduling, the court proceedings. Extra costs for all of that.
And for a program that worked remarkably well, until this month.
🥗 🛟
As poor Americans continue to be pawns in the Trump administration's gameplay over the government shutdown, California Attorney General Rob Bonta is seeking guidance from the Supreme Court over how, exactly, the state should "undo" the SNAP payments it made last week. buff.ly/qEpFEV0
AG Bonta Seeks Court Clarification on USDA Demand to Claw Back SNAP Benefits
As poor Americans continue to be pawns in the Trump administration's gameplay over the government shutdown, California Attorney General Rob Bonta is seeking guidance from the Supreme Court over how…
buff.ly
November 10, 2025 at 11:15 PM
“Undoing” SNAP payments is next to impossible (and obviously cruel).
This is such a far cry from “government efficiency”… the recalculations, the updates, the rescheduling, the court proceedings. Extra costs for all of that.
And for a program that worked remarkably well, until this month.
🥗 🛟
This is such a far cry from “government efficiency”… the recalculations, the updates, the rescheduling, the court proceedings. Extra costs for all of that.
And for a program that worked remarkably well, until this month.
🥗 🛟
No SNAP. 1/2 SNAP. 65% SNAP. Full SNAP. Court order to prevent full SNAP...
The state agencies trying to keep up with these changes and administer SNAP are reeling.
I'll say it again:
CONSISTENCY is a core, critical feature of SNAP. The program is undermined by unpredictability. 🥗 🛟
The state agencies trying to keep up with these changes and administer SNAP are reeling.
I'll say it again:
CONSISTENCY is a core, critical feature of SNAP. The program is undermined by unpredictability. 🥗 🛟
Snap workers rebuke Trump administration over funding: ‘using our country’s poorest as pawns’
Employees providing assistance to recipients expressed fears on how lack of aid will affect those who need it most
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:56 PM
No SNAP. 1/2 SNAP. 65% SNAP. Full SNAP. Court order to prevent full SNAP...
The state agencies trying to keep up with these changes and administer SNAP are reeling.
I'll say it again:
CONSISTENCY is a core, critical feature of SNAP. The program is undermined by unpredictability. 🥗 🛟
The state agencies trying to keep up with these changes and administer SNAP are reeling.
I'll say it again:
CONSISTENCY is a core, critical feature of SNAP. The program is undermined by unpredictability. 🥗 🛟
SNAP prevents hunger, yes.
But it also helps the *worry* about hunger.
Despite the program’s shortcomings, its consistency - for decades - has been an incredible strength.
Great reporting on the impacts of cuts by @marisakabas.bsky.social
But it also helps the *worry* about hunger.
Despite the program’s shortcomings, its consistency - for decades - has been an incredible strength.
Great reporting on the impacts of cuts by @marisakabas.bsky.social
New — While some states have received SNAP benefits for November and USDA is supposedly pushing through all federal payments soon, that doesn’t erase the psychological terror of the last few weeks.
I spoke with 20+ SNAP recipients in 16 states about preparing for a possible future with no food:
I spoke with 20+ SNAP recipients in 16 states about preparing for a possible future with no food:
The voices of SNAP
Recipients have become political pawns. They explained, in their own words, what Trump withholding funds has been like.
www.thehandbasket.co
November 8, 2025 at 3:33 AM
SNAP prevents hunger, yes.
But it also helps the *worry* about hunger.
Despite the program’s shortcomings, its consistency - for decades - has been an incredible strength.
Great reporting on the impacts of cuts by @marisakabas.bsky.social
But it also helps the *worry* about hunger.
Despite the program’s shortcomings, its consistency - for decades - has been an incredible strength.
Great reporting on the impacts of cuts by @marisakabas.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Chrisinger
Such a critical feature of this is the consistency.
SNAP is there when you need it: You can rely on it. You can plan around it. You can budget for it.
We should obviously be concerned about hunger. But *worry* about hunger is its own danger.
🥗 🛟
SNAP is there when you need it: You can rely on it. You can plan around it. You can budget for it.
We should obviously be concerned about hunger. But *worry* about hunger is its own danger.
🥗 🛟
SNAP has existed for 60 years. Benefits have gone out every single month over those six decades, including during government shutdowns. Until now.
Make no mistake: The money is available to fund SNAP during this shutdown. Trump is making a choice to withhold it.
Don’t forget this.
Make no mistake: The money is available to fund SNAP during this shutdown. Trump is making a choice to withhold it.
Don’t forget this.
November 7, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Such a critical feature of this is the consistency.
SNAP is there when you need it: You can rely on it. You can plan around it. You can budget for it.
We should obviously be concerned about hunger. But *worry* about hunger is its own danger.
🥗 🛟
SNAP is there when you need it: You can rely on it. You can plan around it. You can budget for it.
We should obviously be concerned about hunger. But *worry* about hunger is its own danger.
🥗 🛟
Good.
But folks with benefit dates later in the month shouldn’t have to worry that a court appeal could leave them without SNAP.
But folks with benefit dates later in the month shouldn’t have to worry that a court appeal could leave them without SNAP.
Trump administration says it will fully fund SNAP while court appeal plays out www.nbcnews.com/politics/pol...
Trump administration says it will fully fund SNAP while court appeal plays out
The administration has asked a federal appeals court for an emergency pause on a judge's order to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
www.nbcnews.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Good.
But folks with benefit dates later in the month shouldn’t have to worry that a court appeal could leave them without SNAP.
But folks with benefit dates later in the month shouldn’t have to worry that a court appeal could leave them without SNAP.
This is the thing: if SNAP isn’t safe, nothing’s safe.
It bridges urban and rural, anti poverty and agribusiness. If those stakeholders/lobbyists can’t keep SNAP from being withheld, know that everything else is on the table.
It bridges urban and rural, anti poverty and agribusiness. If those stakeholders/lobbyists can’t keep SNAP from being withheld, know that everything else is on the table.
They're trying to gut LIHEAP for the same reasons! When I was in recovery and physically couldn't work for months, LIHEAP literally kept me from freezing to death in my place in South Philly. These programs work and save peoples lives, and that doesn't line up with the pro eugenics crowd
I got laid off, I utilized SNAP, and I was able to remain in my chosen field of profession. The program is incredibly effective in mitigating the effects of unemployment, and that’s precisely why they want to gut it.
November 7, 2025 at 5:12 PM
This is the thing: if SNAP isn’t safe, nothing’s safe.
It bridges urban and rural, anti poverty and agribusiness. If those stakeholders/lobbyists can’t keep SNAP from being withheld, know that everything else is on the table.
It bridges urban and rural, anti poverty and agribusiness. If those stakeholders/lobbyists can’t keep SNAP from being withheld, know that everything else is on the table.
Such a critical feature of this is the consistency.
SNAP is there when you need it: You can rely on it. You can plan around it. You can budget for it.
We should obviously be concerned about hunger. But *worry* about hunger is its own danger.
🥗 🛟
SNAP is there when you need it: You can rely on it. You can plan around it. You can budget for it.
We should obviously be concerned about hunger. But *worry* about hunger is its own danger.
🥗 🛟
SNAP has existed for 60 years. Benefits have gone out every single month over those six decades, including during government shutdowns. Until now.
Make no mistake: The money is available to fund SNAP during this shutdown. Trump is making a choice to withhold it.
Don’t forget this.
Make no mistake: The money is available to fund SNAP during this shutdown. Trump is making a choice to withhold it.
Don’t forget this.
November 7, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Such a critical feature of this is the consistency.
SNAP is there when you need it: You can rely on it. You can plan around it. You can budget for it.
We should obviously be concerned about hunger. But *worry* about hunger is its own danger.
🥗 🛟
SNAP is there when you need it: You can rely on it. You can plan around it. You can budget for it.
We should obviously be concerned about hunger. But *worry* about hunger is its own danger.
🥗 🛟
Reposted by Ben Chrisinger
How is your state covering SNAP benefits during the government shutdown? Some states like Maryland are providing full benefit coverage, while 14 states have taken no action, @newsweek.com reports.
Read more:
Read more:
Map shows states covering SNAP benefits amid funding lapse
As the federal government shutdown continues, many states have begun implementing measures to support residents who rely on SNAP benefits.
www.newsweek.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM
How is your state covering SNAP benefits during the government shutdown? Some states like Maryland are providing full benefit coverage, while 14 states have taken no action, @newsweek.com reports.
Read more:
Read more:
Update: today, 16.8 million people should have *full* SNAP benefits for November. They don't.
Most states don't issue SNAP all at once. Some distribute SNAP up to the 28th day.
This masks the scale of the problem: 42 million worrying about hunger in the richest country on earth.
🛟 🥗 🩺📊 #econsky
Most states don't issue SNAP all at once. Some distribute SNAP up to the 28th day.
This masks the scale of the problem: 42 million worrying about hunger in the richest country on earth.
🛟 🥗 🩺📊 #econsky
November 6, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Update: today, 16.8 million people should have *full* SNAP benefits for November. They don't.
Most states don't issue SNAP all at once. Some distribute SNAP up to the 28th day.
This masks the scale of the problem: 42 million worrying about hunger in the richest country on earth.
🛟 🥗 🩺📊 #econsky
Most states don't issue SNAP all at once. Some distribute SNAP up to the 28th day.
This masks the scale of the problem: 42 million worrying about hunger in the richest country on earth.
🛟 🥗 🩺📊 #econsky
Reposted by Ben Chrisinger
Low-income families will see even deeper #SNAP cuts because the Administration plans to release only two-thirds of the funds it says are available, shortchanging millions who rely on benefits to afford food. More from @katiebergh.bsky.social: www.cbpp.org/blog/adminis...
Administration Won’t Spend All SNAP Funds It Says Are Available, Leading to Deep Benefit Cuts for Low-Income Households
The Trump Administration is only planning to release two-thirds of the SNAP funding it committed to spend to partially cover November benefits, cutting families’ benefits far more than necessary and s...
www.cbpp.org
November 5, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Low-income families will see even deeper #SNAP cuts because the Administration plans to release only two-thirds of the funds it says are available, shortchanging millions who rely on benefits to afford food. More from @katiebergh.bsky.social: www.cbpp.org/blog/adminis...
Reposted by Ben Chrisinger
must read story
It feels a bit weird to post right now in light of what has happened to @teenvogue.com and so much of the incredible team there. What sources shared here is important, & I’m grateful I got to work on this. I reported on how young people are being impacted by delays to SNAP: “It’s about survival.”
More Young People Will Go Hungry Without SNAP
“We’re trying to make it, but it’s been hard.”
www.teenvogue.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:51 PM
must read story
And now, a look at the supply side
🥗
🥗
The shutdown, combined with loss of USDA staff under Sec Rollins, is making it hard for farmers to plan for next year. Tariff and trade uncertainty + no Farm Bill making it even harder.
Government Shutdown, Trade Wars Hit Farmers' Bottom Line Hard dailyyonder.com/government-s...
Government Shutdown, Trade Wars Hit Farmers' Bottom Line Hard dailyyonder.com/government-s...
Government Shutdown, Trade Wars Hit Farmers' Bottom Line Hard | The Daily Yonder
For Wendy Johnson, a livestock and organic grain farmer in Charles City, Iowa, October is usually the time she visits her local Natural Resources
dailyyonder.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:34 PM
And now, a look at the supply side
🥗
🥗
Another election over, another reminder that we need a better elections dataviz than county maps.
November 5, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Another election over, another reminder that we need a better elections dataviz than county maps.
Heading to Atlanta to talk about SNAP restrictions with @obesitysociety.bsky.social.
(Spoiler alert: I don’t think they’re a good idea)
(Spoiler alert: I don’t think they’re a good idea)
November 5, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Heading to Atlanta to talk about SNAP restrictions with @obesitysociety.bsky.social.
(Spoiler alert: I don’t think they’re a good idea)
(Spoiler alert: I don’t think they’re a good idea)
Fully optimized.
"People ask me all the time, 'Hey, how do you do it?' First lesson of writing: never answer direct questions. Not from the guy at the supermarket. Not from the police officer at your car window. Not from your children crying for their supper. Remember, you are on a deadline."
How to Write 100,000 Words Per Day, Every Day
Most people don’t believe me when I tell them I write 100,000 words every day of my life. If I’m being totally honest, 100,000 is probably just a b...
buff.ly
November 5, 2025 at 2:20 AM
Fully optimized.
Reposted by Ben Chrisinger
What's happening with SNAP is incredibly uncertain and I'm hearing from comrades all over who are struggling, confused, and getting mixed messages about their bennies. I wrote about how SNAP affects families with medically complex children who use SNAP/WIC at @civileats.com!
Op-ed: The Shutdown Threatens SNAP and WIC for the Most Vulnerable
One in eight Americans rely on food assistance. For families with complex medical challenges, these programs are non-negotiable lifelines.
civileats.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:31 PM
What's happening with SNAP is incredibly uncertain and I'm hearing from comrades all over who are struggling, confused, and getting mixed messages about their bennies. I wrote about how SNAP affects families with medically complex children who use SNAP/WIC at @civileats.com!
By today, nearly 11 million SNAP participants should have received *full* benefits for November. They haven't.
By Friday, this jumps to about 20 million.
(estimated using state participation data and issuance schedules from USDA FNS)
🥗 🛟 🩺📊 #econsky
By Friday, this jumps to about 20 million.
(estimated using state participation data and issuance schedules from USDA FNS)
🥗 🛟 🩺📊 #econsky
November 4, 2025 at 8:21 PM
By today, nearly 11 million SNAP participants should have received *full* benefits for November. They haven't.
By Friday, this jumps to about 20 million.
(estimated using state participation data and issuance schedules from USDA FNS)
🥗 🛟 🩺📊 #econsky
By Friday, this jumps to about 20 million.
(estimated using state participation data and issuance schedules from USDA FNS)
🥗 🛟 🩺📊 #econsky
Reposted by Ben Chrisinger
The Trump admin is saying it will now only pay half of SNAP benefits. Civic tech orgs that focus on safety net access are calling for full funding:
@beeckcenter.bsky.social @civilladetroit.bsky.social
@codeforamerica.org @publicpolicylab.bsky.social
beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/statement-on...
@beeckcenter.bsky.social @civilladetroit.bsky.social
@codeforamerica.org @publicpolicylab.bsky.social
beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/statement-on...
Statement from Civic Tech Nonprofits on SNAP Benefits Disruption - Beeck Center
beeckcenter.georgetown.edu
November 3, 2025 at 9:14 PM
The Trump admin is saying it will now only pay half of SNAP benefits. Civic tech orgs that focus on safety net access are calling for full funding:
@beeckcenter.bsky.social @civilladetroit.bsky.social
@codeforamerica.org @publicpolicylab.bsky.social
beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/statement-on...
@beeckcenter.bsky.social @civilladetroit.bsky.social
@codeforamerica.org @publicpolicylab.bsky.social
beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/statement-on...
Reposted by Ben Chrisinger
Some context on the escalating crisis of withheld SNAP benefits. I did some rough estimates of how many participants in each state are currently missing November SNAP.
By today, ~8 million participants should have received SNAP. By tomorrow, ~11 million.
Gets worse by the day.
🛟 🥗
By today, ~8 million participants should have received SNAP. By tomorrow, ~11 million.
Gets worse by the day.
🛟 🥗
November 3, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Some context on the escalating crisis of withheld SNAP benefits. I did some rough estimates of how many participants in each state are currently missing November SNAP.
By today, ~8 million participants should have received SNAP. By tomorrow, ~11 million.
Gets worse by the day.
🛟 🥗
By today, ~8 million participants should have received SNAP. By tomorrow, ~11 million.
Gets worse by the day.
🛟 🥗
Some context on the escalating crisis of withheld SNAP benefits. I did some rough estimates of how many participants in each state are currently missing November SNAP.
By today, ~8 million participants should have received SNAP. By tomorrow, ~11 million.
Gets worse by the day.
🛟 🥗
By today, ~8 million participants should have received SNAP. By tomorrow, ~11 million.
Gets worse by the day.
🛟 🥗
November 3, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Some context on the escalating crisis of withheld SNAP benefits. I did some rough estimates of how many participants in each state are currently missing November SNAP.
By today, ~8 million participants should have received SNAP. By tomorrow, ~11 million.
Gets worse by the day.
🛟 🥗
By today, ~8 million participants should have received SNAP. By tomorrow, ~11 million.
Gets worse by the day.
🛟 🥗
Reposted by Ben Chrisinger
The USDA sent an email to grocery stores telling them they are prohibited from offering special discounts to customers affected by the SNAP funding lapse.
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
November 2, 2025 at 7:01 PM
The USDA sent an email to grocery stores telling them they are prohibited from offering special discounts to customers affected by the SNAP funding lapse.
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
I'm aware of at least 2 stores that had offered struggling customers a discount, then withdrew it after receiving this email
Reposted by Ben Chrisinger
November 1, 2025 at 9:35 PM
The huge rise in dollar store food retail, especially in low-income rural places, is one indicator.
“It’s not as simple as income being the differentiator here — it’s wealth being more the driver”
www.nbcnews.com/business/eco...
www.nbcnews.com/business/eco...
From fast food to beverage giants, brands see rising income inequality among customers
Consumer brands are adjusting to a two-tiered economy as the new normal. Yet there are signs that even high-income customers are under pressure.
www.nbcnews.com
November 2, 2025 at 12:50 PM
The huge rise in dollar store food retail, especially in low-income rural places, is one indicator.
Reposted by Ben Chrisinger
“It’s not as simple as income being the differentiator here — it’s wealth being more the driver”
www.nbcnews.com/business/eco...
www.nbcnews.com/business/eco...
From fast food to beverage giants, brands see rising income inequality among customers
Consumer brands are adjusting to a two-tiered economy as the new normal. Yet there are signs that even high-income customers are under pressure.
www.nbcnews.com
November 2, 2025 at 12:09 PM
“It’s not as simple as income being the differentiator here — it’s wealth being more the driver”
www.nbcnews.com/business/eco...
www.nbcnews.com/business/eco...