I’m apprehensive about the SNAP thing.

It doesn’t affect me.
I’m not on SNAP, but given my history, I know food access shouldn’t be denied. It can be limited, difficult, have self-imposed boundaries, or medical restrictions.

But denied?
No more food stamps?

It’s not just that.

Americans have little to no, generally speaking, financial comprehension. Nothing substantial is saved.

They don’t know how to cook, relying on cheap, easy, and ultra-processed food to satisfy hunger.

The ‘buy buy buy’ marketing brainwash has taken hold for multiple generations. Shopping and just the act of buying, regardless of the item, have become a coping mechanism. Grocery stores are America’s museums.

The states might try, but they can’t subsidize everyone, especially not for any length of time.

Food banks, churches, and other organizations will attempt to cover the gap. However, they vastly rely on local donations, which have, I’m certain, become more lean as inflation continues. They had to be strapped before this occurred.

Not counting the upper portion, even those who are comfortable and might have given scaled back just out of fear from supply chain scares and ever-changing tariffs. It would almost be irresponsible if they didn’t provide some sort of padding for themselves and family, should the shite continue to splatter.

Even if, as the government promises, the tariffs are scaling back and there will be support for the farmers, the fear is there. It’s embedded. Trust and the security that comes with it are not easily regained.

And winter is coming up. It’s already cold. Growing season is done. Cheaper food that could have been obtained through farmers or farmers’ markets is over.

There is dismissal – someone else can handle it. Charities are in place… yes, but they are probably already compromised and sudden run on resources with increased demand is going to strain what is there even more.

In some states, like California, theft has become all but accepted. While I think there have been efforts to tap that down, it will increase. I think the police and even store clerks could have a difficult time stopping a mother from stealing a loaf of bread and a jar of Jiffy.

But, giving Americans, it wouldn’t stop there. Why take Jiffy when steak is in the other aisle? Why take bread when there are Pop-Tarts (now with protein!)?

Yes, there is probably a feeling of entitlement by some in that situation. But the population, in general, has been addictively trained to prefer fat, salt, and sugar foods. It’s natural to go for the processed, branded food over an apple. At this point, even if an apple is given to a child, they may not actually eat it because they’ve never been exposed.

It would probably start in the cities, especially the mega cities. The apex of human population and culture – cities – is where the most desperate congregate.

There could be some well-guarded millionaires and billionaires out there. If they are intelligent, they would have retreated to their underground bunkers and mansions in the mountains.

And food is a base level of the Maslow Pyramid. It isn’t just the hunger but the insecurity. The uncertainty. There was a feeling of stability, of self-assurance. There are very few things more depressing than a fridge with an empty pickle jar.

I understand that a lot of funding is going to illegals. That there is fraud. That is taxing and harming the taxpayers. That SNAP benefits have doubled or more in the past ten years.

It’s a nightmare. Those funds could go to other areas for development and general life improvements. But probably not, let’s be honest. This is the government, after all.

A lot of fake food causes co-morbidities. That adds to Medicare and governmental funding for medical. It causes a lack of productivity and quality of life.

But this is oh-so dangerous.
How many are going to be staved and damaged now? How much violence, distrust, and futures will be impacted over the coming months?

How many people will call for the government to care for them? “Big brother?” This is an ample excuse for governmental expansion and universal basic income.

It’s a reason to retreat back to comforting AI compliments, Prozac dreams, and self-medication abuse,

This is… um… from someone who has a uniquely deep relationship with food – very… nightmare.

I’m not worried for myself or my family.
We’re secure. At least, for a couple of years should shite happen. Providing we’re careful, distrustful, and solid.

America?
This is a cliff.
It’s a potential slippery slope that could take multiple generations to recover – if at all.