Veteran’s story underscores the lifeline SNAP provides

Abbella DiNoto, SNAP Participant 

For Abbella DiNoto, SNAP benefits are essential to her survival. A disabled Army veteran living on less than $1,300 a month from Supplemental Security Income and Veterans Affairs benefits, she relies on SNAP to make ends meet. 

“If you lower our SNAP any further, many Americans, such as myself, will be facing starvation and possibly death.” 

DiNoto supplements her limited income by visiting food shelves. But SNAP is what allows her access to fresh, healthy food. 

“SNAP allows for fresh produce and additional meat and dairy items. It also allows me to double and even triple the amount if spent at a farmer’s market... allowing me to further increase my fresh produce intake.” 

Despite subsidized housing, DiNoto’s financial situation is dire. With debt consuming 65% of her income, she often has less than $20 left each month after basic expenses. 

“Last year, there was no Christmas, Thanksgiving, or birthday dinner. Even the cost of ramen noodles is far too high.” 

Living on inexpensive, processed food has taken a toll. She limits herself to one meal a day, yet her health is declining. 

“In the last three years, I’ve actually gained 100 pounds, because living off of lesser quality foods with more fat and more processing.” 

Her story is a stark reminder that SNAP is a critical source of nourishment and dignity for many Minnesotans. It is a necessity, not a luxury. 

As policymakers debate funding, Abbella's message is urgent and clear: cutting SNAP could cost lives.