Proposed Bill Would Cut SNAP Food Assistance for Striking Workers

The Food Secure Strikers Act of 2025 proposes a significant change to federal food assistance eligibility. If enacted, this legislation would amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, specifically targeting workers who are participating in a labor strike. The core function of this bill, outlined in Section 2, is to make striking workers ineligible to receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.

The End of the Line for SNAP During Strikes

Essentially, this bill draws a new line for SNAP eligibility. Currently, low-income households, including those with members temporarily out of work due to a strike, might qualify for SNAP based on their financial situation. This legislation removes that possibility specifically for striking workers. It means that participating in a strike would directly disqualify an individual from receiving this federal food aid, regardless of their household income or assets during the strike period.

Kitchen Table Impact

Losing income during a strike already puts immense pressure on household budgets. Removing access to SNAP benefits would add another layer of financial strain for striking workers and their families trying to make ends meet. This change could mean families have to make tougher choices about essential expenses, potentially increasing reliance on local food banks and charities, which may already be stretched thin. The direct effect is less support for putting food on the table during a work stoppage.

Shifting the Balance?

Beyond the immediate impact on families, altering access to a key safety net program like SNAP during labor disputes could influence the dynamics between employers and employees. By potentially increasing the economic hardship faced by strikers, the legislation might affect the duration or frequency of strikes, impacting the bargaining power of workers engaged in labor actions. It changes the financial calculation for workers considering or participating in a strike.