There are an estimated 42 million people receiving food aid from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. The figure represents 12.3 percent of the U.S. population, according to the USDA. In the richest nation on Earth that is not something to brag about. It is, or ought to be, a disgrace.

SNAP is a casualty of the government “shutdown,” though two federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to restore funds to the program. On Monday, President Trump said he will use a contingency fund to cover only 50 percent of SNAP benefits for November, but none after that if the government doesn’t open.

Now would be a good time to ask why so many Americans seek food assistance. A starting point that should get political support (at least from Republicans) would be the elimination of mistakes, waste and fraud in the SNAP program.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP for the states, estimates that in fiscal year 2023 approximately 11.7 percent of SNAP benefits, or about $10.5 billion, were “improper payments,” including fraud and other errors. While overpayments from household errors and administrative mistakes make up the largest portion of these improper payments, the USDA and other experts also report significant issues with benefit trafficking and recent surges in theft. For example, a 55 percent increase in fraudulent transactions occurred between the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.

The first food assistance programs were established in 1939 during the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Like so many other government programs, when the Depression ended and the need for food assistance subsided, the programs continued and new people were added, even during periods of prosperity.

Following the elimination of improper payments, there should be a focus on the able-bodied who are not working. There is a work and job training requirement for people receiving SNAP benefits. Whether those without children are meeting that requirement should be investigated. The goal should be to wean people off government assistance and toward financial independence. The elderly and those with physical or mental disabilities who qualify, should continue receiving food assistance.

Whatever happened to children caring for their parents who are in need? Adult children with resources should be required to help their parents before turning to the government.

Senate Democrats, most of whom have refused to vote to open the government, continue to use SNAP — as well as air traffic controllers and other vital services — to extort political capital from Republicans. So far it appears to be working. A recent Quinnipiac poll found that voters blame Republicans slightly more than Democrats for the shutdown.

Too many Americans believe they are entitled to other people’s money and that it is government’s responsibility to take care of every citizen (and some non-citizens) from cradle to grave. Maybe Congress should be listed among those who are “non-essential” and have their pay suspended. Watch how quickly the government would open again should that occur.

Nearly every problem has a solution. The problem for politicians is that if they solve a problem, they no longer have an issue with which to bash the other party. As long as holding on to political office remains their top priority, nothing will change. More people will come to rely on government, which will help the Democrats, but it will be bad for the country and the people who have become addicted to government.

©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.