SNAP is a safety net for families and farmers

Gary Wertish, President, Minnesota Farmer’s Union 

“As farmers, it’s part of our job to feed everybody, and it’s something we’re proud to do,” said Gary Wertish, a Minnesota farmer and president of the Minnesota Farmers Union. However, recent proposals to cut billions from the federal SNAP program threaten families and the broader agricultural system. 

“The SNAP program is a safety net. The farm bill is a safety net for farmers when times aren't good, but it's also a safety net for families.” 

The Minnesota Farmers Union recently held a series of town halls across the state, where the topic of food insecurity came up. 

“We heard from people who know families trying to get by on just $4 or $12 a day in SNAP benefits. That’s not enough to feed a family.” 

Wertish pointed out that most people on SNAP who can work are working. “They’re just not getting enough income to support their families.” 

He also emphasized the disconnect between rising food prices and the reality on farms. While groceries cost more, farmers are not making more money. Input costs are up, margins are tight and small-town grocery stores are getting squeezed out.  

“Farmers are facing uncertainty all the time, but families are too,” Wertish said. 

Rural food shelves are also seeing rising demand. Many families in small towns are working but still falling short. With grocery stores closing and transportation limited, getting food is becoming harder. Not everyone can access transportation or afford the gas to travel to a neighboring town for groceries. 

“We need to address the hunger needs and supplement them the best we can. “SNAP has been working well, and it's got a lot of benefits. The benefits are going back, not only to the farmer, but to the community. It needs to continue.