Anti-Hunger Advocates Slam “False Philanthropy” As Hiding Crisis of Military Hunger
October 27, 2025 — As the federal government shutdown drags on with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) refusing to deploy contingency funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger is acutely aware of the perfect storm facing military families as thousands more of them are now facing a financial crisis. MAZON slammed the Trump administration for enabling this emergency, calling out a reported “charitable donation” of $130 million to pay troops as representing just $100 per servicemember — a fraction of what would actually be needed to fill the gap.
MAZON President & CEO Abby J. Leibman stated:
“This reckless government shutdown is revealing to the world what we have known for years: that far too many military families are living on the brink, often just one missed paycheck away from hunger and poverty.
“First, far too many members of our military already had to rely on additional support, including SNAP, in order to feed their families. Then, the cuts and limitations on SNAP enacted a few months ago in the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” will shred that lifeline. Now, we are in the middle of a government shutdown, under which our troops must work but go without pay. The reported $130 million donation to ‘pay’ the troops during this Republican shutdown will amount to $100 per servicemember. It is useless and insulting. Before the shutdown, according to the Pentagon’s own figures, nearly one in four military families struggled with food insecurity. This is shameful. We are in the midst of a crisis within a crisis, and it’s being exacerbated by political games. And now we’re expected to applaud this token amount of $100 per servicemember? This so-called gift isn’t charitable. It’s insulting, and it has dangerous implications for a democratic society.
“Without getting their full paychecks, the crisis of hunger will come to the doorsteps of many, many more military families. This is unconscionable, dangerous, and completely preventable. And a one-time $100 check doesn’t take the sting away from our servicemembers being unable to put food on the table for their families. Our troops deserve better from their Commander in Chief. Indeed, our entire country deserves some semblance of responsible leadership amidst the self-created destruction of this shutdown and the dismantling of the federal government that we’ve seen over the past year. Furthermore, it sets a precedent that individual donors can wield power and influence over institutions like our country’s military.
“We are not stupid, and neither are our servicemembers and their families. Political games, stunts, and false philanthropy will not solve the crisis that has been brought to our doorsteps by the Trump administration. If they actually want to support our troops, then fund SNAP and other basic food assistance programs, end this ridiculous shutdown, and actually do something about this long-standing problem.”