OCA Condemns SNAP Cuts Amid Government Shutdown
For Immediate Release
November 1, 2025
Media Contact:
Socheata Sun, Senior Communications Associate
socheata.sun@ocanational.org
Washington, D.C. — OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates strongly condemns the federal government’s failure to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown, as well as the Department of Agriculture’s refusal to use its contingency fund to maintain this essential lifeline.
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families afford nutritious food. It is one of the nation’s most effective anti-hunger and poverty reduction programs, supporting more than 40 million Americans each month.
For Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, the impact is especially profound. Over 1 million Asian Americans and more than 128,000 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders rely on SNAP benefits. This accounts for nearly 1 in 10 Asian Americans and 1 in 4 Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
The refusal to utilize the contingency fund, which exists precisely for moments like this, reveals a disregard for the well-being of working families, seniors, and children. For AANHPI households already facing language barriers, food insecurity, and rising living costs, this decision will have devastating and disproportionate impacts. SNAP’s disruption will cause irreparable harm to vulnerable communities already living paycheck to paycheck.
The people affected by this include students, teachers, furloughed government employees, seniors, and working families, all of whom rely on SNAP to meet basic needs. Food banks are preparing for increased demand starting November 1, but they cannot replace SNAP. These emergency food resources will be overwhelmed, and they are not a stopgap measure for a program that millions depend on for survival.
“This is not just bureaucratic negligence—it’s cruelty, plain and simple,” stated Thu Nguyen, Executive Director of OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates. “To pull this essential resource away during a shutdown is unconscionable and shameful. My own family members, neighbors, and friends have been on SNAP or are currently on SNAP. It may not seem like it, but the stats show that people around you are on SNAP. No family should have to choose between paying rent, healthcare, and eating dinner. Food is a basic human right.”
“It is unconscionable that millions of Americans, including children, will go hungry so that political points can be scored,” stated Richard Mui, Chapter President of OCA - Detroit. “For the government to choose not to spend money that is available for SNAP benefits creates a society where children are not prepared to learn, workers are less productive, and families struggle to meet their most basic needs. Harry Hopkins, an aide to FDR, once said in the midst of the Great Depression, ‘Hunger is not debatable.’ That was true then, and it is still true today.”
“As we all witness the impact of our government shutdown, we urge an immediate resolution due to the severe hardship it is imposing on all Americans,” stated Peter Tao, Chapter President of OCA - St. Louis. “Regardless of party affiliation, our government collectively represents all Americans, not just one’s constituents. In particular, we expect our collective government representatives to reinstate the SNAP and healthcare programs, which affect our low-income and marginalized fellow Americans who are not as privileged as those leading our nation.”
“What may become the nation’s longest government shutdown in history, if the impasse continues into November, will affect Americans who rely on our social safety net programs,” stated Rick Eng, Chapter President of OCA - Greater Los Angeles. “About 42 million Americans rely on food stamps, including 5.5 million in California. Working for a large health and human services organization in Los Angeles, I see great harm to the safety and well-being of underserved communities, and OCA - GLA shares this concern about what may happen if benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) end in November. We urgently appeal to our nation’s representatives to return to the negotiation table and hammer out a resolution.”
“Ending SNAP benefits will have devastating consequences for families across our communities,” stated Angela Li, Chapter President of OCA - New York. “For many American households already struggling with the rising cost of living, SNAP has been a lifeline. No one should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. We urge policymakers to find a resolution that ensures all families can live with dignity and security.”
OCA calls on Congress and the Administration to immediately utilize the contingency fund to restore SNAP benefits and reach a compromise that includes funding healthcare, to end this reckless shutdown.
While SNAP is the most effective way to ensure food security, OCA encourages community support for local food banks. Monetary donations are especially impactful, as food banks can purchase $4 to $6 worth of food for every $1 donated. To contribute or volunteer, consider organizations such as Feeding America or local food banks.
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About OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates
Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national, member-driven social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.