Georgia Families Confront Challenges as SNAP Benefits Are Reduced During Government Shutdown

ATLANTA (WJBF) — On Monday, the bustling Goodr Community Market in Atlanta welcomed a notable visitor, Senator Raphael Warnock, who was there to assess firsthand the repercussions of the government shutdown on families dependent on SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Occupying a spot on Edgewood Avenue, the market has been a beacon of support for 90 days, offering reasonably priced produce, groceries, and deli items. It serves as a critical resource for seniors and families making purchases with EBT cards.

Jasmine Crowe-Houston, the founder and CEO of Goodr, highlighted the stark reality many of their customers face. She noted that a staggering nine out of ten patrons depend on SNAP and are already feeling the pinch of financial strain.

“Many of our seniors receive only $16 to $40 monthly in benefits,” Crowe-Houston pointed out. “They are doing their best to stretch these limited funds, all while leaning heavily on food banks and other support services to make ends meet.”

For customers like Karen Stewart, who relies on SNAP benefits, the recent cuts have been particularly challenging, underscoring the vital role that the Goodr Community Market plays in supporting its community amid these tough times.

“It’s going to impact us because there’s now money out of my pocket I would have been able to use for basics,” Stewart said.

Crowe-Houston says the market will continue to help families for free when possible, but she worries that many who depend on SNAP may go hungry.

Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff are urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use its authority to fund SNAP this month. Warnock called the shutdown a “manufactured crisis” and emphasized that food and healthcare are fundamental human rights.

Federal data shows more than 1.4 million Georgians rely on SNAP, including over 600,000 children.

The Trump administration has said it will provide partial SNAP benefits this month, meaning over 40 million Americans could see reduced payments and possible delays as the government shutdown nears a record length.