AFSA has joined the AFL-CIO and 26 other labor unions in urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take immediate action to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue without interruption.
In a joint letter to Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, the unions called for USDA to use all available tools to prevent any lapse in SNAP funding during the ongoing government funding uncertainties. The letter highlights that SNAP is not only a vital lifeline for millions of families but also a critical driver of local economies and union jobs across the country.
“Any lapse in SNAP funding will have devastating impacts for program beneficiaries, reduce hours and wages for food workers in every state and congressional district in the country, compromise worker safety for food workers, threaten the jobs of SNAP eligibility determination workers and hurt local economies,” the letter states.
SNAP, the nation’s largest food-assistance program, serves more than 40 million Americans—including children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. The program also supports thousands of workers throughout the food supply chain—from farmers and processors to truck drivers and grocery store employees.
Research shows that every dollar spent on SNAP generates up to $1.80 in economic activity, boosting local economies and sustaining jobs in industries that provide and distribute food. Union workers play a crucial role throughout this system, ensuring that communities have access to safe, high-quality food while maintaining strong labor standards.
The letter urges USDA to immediately release contingency funds and exercise its authority to transfer additional resources from the Section 32 Agriculture Adjustment Account to sustain SNAP through November if Congress fails to act.
With food prices continuing to rise, the coalition warned that any disruption in SNAP benefits would worsen food insecurity for millions of Americans and undermine economic stability in communities nationwide.
“Americans are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, and they cannot afford a sudden lapse in grocery assistance,” the letter notes. “The Administration can and must take action immediately to ensure that millions of families across the country can rely on SNAP benefits to continue putting food on their tables.”
AFSA joined a wide range of unions representing educators, public employees, transportation workers, healthcare professionals, entertainers, and veterans. Other signatories include the AFT, NEA, AFSCME, SEIU, CWA, IAM, USW, and the United Auto Workers, among others.
To read the full letter, visit the AFL-CIO’s website here.
Image: Logo of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
